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County staff to monitor diaper‑station bill after concerns about state exemption and costs
Summary
Arapahoe County staff briefed the board on HB26‑1130, which would require diaper changing stations and signage in many public restrooms; staff estimated about 38 installations countywide. Commissioners supported monitoring and suggested amendments to avoid the state exempting itself from the requirement.
County legislative staff described HB26‑1130 to the Board, saying the bill would require buildings with indoor restrooms open to public access to provide diaper changing stations in gender‑specific restrooms and appropriate non‑gendered stalls, plus pictogram and building signage indicating locations.
Nico Johnson summarized operational impacts for county facilities and reported an estimate that facilities would need to install about 38 diaper changing stations and signage to be compliant, with 21 of those in the West Region. He added that restrooms where installing a station would impede access for individuals with disabilities or in certified historic structures are exempt.
Commissioner Jeff Baker said he believed the county may already largely be in compliance on practicality though signage may be missing. Several commissioners, including Jessica Campbell and Michelle Halstead, noted the state had exempted itself and that businesses with fewer than 25 employees could also be exempt—an approach some commissioners found inconsistent. "If they can't do it themselves, they shouldn't be telling other people," one commissioner said.
Staff indicated a phased implementation could be reasonable (higher‑traffic multistory facilities first, then single‑story facilities), and recommended a "monitor" position. Commissioners discussed possible amendments to include state facilities in the requirement or to ensure the fiscal note reflects county costs. The board affirmed a monitor position by consensus (five thumbs up).
