Signed by Governor Kay Ivey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires adult-sized changing tables in all public buildings in Alabama.

Highlights:

• Requires all public entities that plan to construct or renovate public restrooms within its building must include the following after January 1, 2028 (Sec. 2):

• Powered, height-adjustable, adult-size changing tables for both adults and babies in at least one public restroom;

• Signage indicating the location of the public restroom with the changing table;

• New central directories or maps indicating the location of the public restroom with the changing table;

• Proper maintenance of the changing table to ensure safety and ease of use;

• Inclusion of the changing table in regular janitorial cleaning services; and 

• Provision of sufficient clear floor space in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill only affects new construction with the following (Sec. 2):

• Construction permits obtained;

• Cost of renovation is $500,000 or more; and

• All nonstructural interior walls, floors and ceiling finishes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing fixtures, and supply and waste lines are removed.

• Authorizes exemptions for this requirement, if (Sec. 2):

• The installation would not be feasible;

• The installation would not comply with the standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act;

• The installation would threaten or destroy the historical significance of a historic property; or

• The public building is not frequented by the public.

• Requires the Chief Examiner of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to do a cost adjustment for the provided cost of renovation based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index in the 3 years prior to the cost submission (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Chief Examiner to release all cost adjustments to the public by July 1st before the next fiscal year (Sec. 2).

• Exempts K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education, unless the school has an area frequented by the public, including (Sec. 2):

• Auditoriums;

• Gymnasiums;

• Stadiums; and

• Sports halls.

• Requires the legislature to appropriate funds to eligible public entities for the installation of the changing tables (Sec. 3).

• Requires the legislature to award grants with preference to higher traffic facilities (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the legislature encourages the private sector to include adult-size changing tables in renovations (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that the effective date of this bill is October 1, 2025 (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires adult-sized changing tables in all public buildings in Alabama.

Highlights:

• Requires all public entities that plan to construct or renovate public restrooms within its building must include the following after January 1, 2028 (Sec. 2):

• Powered, height-adjustable, adult-size changing tables for both adults and babies in at least one public restroom;

• Signage indicating the location of the public restroom with the changing table;

• New central directories or maps indicating the location of the public restroom with the changing table;

• Proper maintenance of the changing table to ensure safety and ease of use;

• Inclusion of the changing table in regular janitorial cleaning services; and 

• Provision of sufficient clear floor space in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill only affects new construction with the following (Sec. 2):

• Construction permits obtained;

• Cost of renovation is $500,000 or more; and

• All nonstructural interior walls, floors and ceiling finishes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing fixtures, and supply and waste lines are removed.

• Authorizes exemptions for this requirement, if (Sec. 2):

• The installation would not be feasible;

• The installation would not comply with the standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act;

• The installation would threaten or destroy the historical significance of a historic property; or

• The public building is not frequented by the public.

• Requires the Chief Examiner of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to do a cost adjustment for the provided cost of renovation based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index in the 3 years prior to the cost submission (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Chief Examiner to release all cost adjustments to the public by July 1st before the next fiscal year (Sec. 2).

• Exempts K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education, unless the school has an area frequented by the public, including (Sec. 2):

• Auditoriums;

• Gymnasiums;

• Stadiums; and

• Sports halls.

• Requires the legislature to appropriate funds to eligible public entities for the installation of the changing tables (Sec. 3).

• Requires the legislature to award grants with preference to higher traffic facilities (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the legislature encourages the private sector to include adult-size changing tables in renovations (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that the effective date of this bill is October 1, 2025 (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text