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Rhode Island General Laws Title 37. Public Property and Works § 37-8-21. Universal changing stations required in public buildings

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) The department of administration shall, by January 1, 2026, adopt regulations requiring any public building that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled on or after January 1, 2027 to install and maintain at least one universal changing station.

(b) The regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this section shall include the following:

(1) A requirement that the entrance to each universal changing station has conspicuous signage indicating the location of the station;

(2) A requirement that if a public building has a central directory, said central directory shall indicate the location of the universal changing station;  and

(3) A requirement that all universal changing stations shall:

(i) Be capable of supporting up to three hundred fifty pounds (350 lbs.);

(ii) Be equipped with a height-adjustable changing table;

(iii) Be located inside a private restroom or in a private stall, enclosed area, or privacy screen within a multi-stall restroom;

(iv) Provide adequate space for assistance;  and

(v) Comply with all requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

(c) The department may grant an exemption from the requirements of this section if it determines:

(1) The installation would not be feasible;

(2) The installation would result in a failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for access for persons with disabilities;

(3) The cost of the proposed reconstruction or remodeling without the inclusion of the changing table does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000);

(4) The installation would destroy the historic significance of a historic property;  or

(5) The building is not frequented by the public.

(d) For the purposes of this chapter, “universal changing station,” means a changing station within an enclosed restroom facility that is for use by persons of any age who require assistance with diapering and is accessible by persons of any sex.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Rhode Island General Laws Title 37. Public Property and Works § 37-8-21. Universal changing stations required in public buildings - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-37-public-property-and-works/ri-gen-laws-sect-37-8-21/

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