House approves requirement for powered adult-size changing tables in new or fully renovated public restrooms

The Alabama House approved Senate Bill 83, which requires powered, height-adjustable adult-size changing tables in newly constructed public restrooms and in fully renovated restrooms whose renovation cost exceeds a statutory threshold (the transcript records the threshold as $500,000, to be adjusted annually). The House gave final passage to SB 83 in a recorded vote (93 ayes, 2 nays).

A member carrying the measure for Senator Orr told the House the requirement begins in 2028 and applies to public entities when constructing a new restroom or totally renovating an existing restroom with renovations exceeding the annual-adjusted dollar threshold. The sponsor explained exemptions for public K–12 schools and public institutions of higher education and said the bill does not create a private right of action. The bill authorizes a grant program to assist public entities with installation costs that would be contingent on legislative appropriations.

‘‘What this bill would do is beginning in 2028, it would for any public entity or the construction a new public restroom, or for a totally renovated existing public restroom, require them to install a powered height adjustable adult size changing table that is capable of serving both a baby and an adult,’’ the carrier said on the floor.

Representative Almond called for final passage. The clerk recorded the final vote as 93 ayes and 2 nays; the House then announced SB 83 had passed.

The transcript does not include the bill's final statutory citation or an effective date beyond the sponsor’s floor statement that the requirement begins in 2028, nor does it list appropriation language for the grant program; sponsors said the grant program would depend on future legislative funding.