Assembly Bill (AB) 662 would expand public restroom accommodations to meet the health and safety needs of individuals with physical disabilities. This bill requires newly constructed commercial places of public amusement including auditoriums, convention centers, exhibition halls, sports arenas, and theaters that serve over 1, 000 people on a daily basis to install an adult changing station for people with physical disabilities. This requirement applies to all new construction as of January 1, 2019. AB 662 also requires that renovations of restrooms in commercial places of public amusement to install an adult changing station. This requirement would go into effect on January 1, 2029.
Status: 04/14/2015 In ASSEMBLY. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS.
Background:
Currently, there is a lack of adequate restroom accommodations for individuals with physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.
According to the California Department of Developmental Services, there are approximately 52,850 individuals with physical disabilities that would benefit from the assistance of an accessible changing station that includes a changing table. The additional assistance would result in increased health and safety benefits.
The inclusion of people with disabilities in our community and their participation in activities such as sporting events, concerts, and other forms of entertainment enhances their quality of life. However, participation in these activities may require adequate restroom accommodations. By expanding public restroom accommodations in large occupancy buildings such as auditoriums, convention centers, exhibition halls, sports arenas, and theaters we are ensuring that individuals with physical disabilities and their families are given the dignity and basic human right to maintain their health.
Specifically, this bill:
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Requires all newly constructed commercial places of public amusement including auditoriums, convention centers, exhibition halls, sports arenas, and theaters that serve over 1,000 people on a daily basis to install an adult changing station for individuals with a physical disability. This applies to all new construction as of January 1, 2019.
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Requires all renovations of restrooms in commercial places of public amusement that serve over 1,000 people to install an adult changing station for individuals with a physical disability as of January 1, 2029.
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An adult changing station is defined as an adult changing table placed within an enclosed restroom facility.
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