Minneslate Logo

HF662 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

State Building Code; adoption of rules authorized to increase accessibility for examination rooms.

Related bill: SF987

AI Generated Summary

The bill aims to update the Minnesota State Building Code to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, it mandates that:

  1. New and Renovated Public Buildings: All new public buildings and renovations of existing public buildings must be accessible to those with disabilities.

  2. State Leased Spaces: State agencies are prohibited from leasing spaces in non-state owned buildings that do not meet accessibility standards of the State Building Code, unless the building displays the state symbol of accessibility. This applies to leases lasting 30 days or more for spaces of at least 1,000 square feet.

  3. Meetings and Conferences: State-sponsored public meetings or conferences must be held in locations that comply with the State Building Code’s accessibility requirements. Exceptions are made for events specifically not intended for people needing accessibility features, unless notice is given by a person with a disability who plans to attend.

  4. Exemptions: Agencies can apply for exemptions from the above requirements if they demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to find compliant facilities, and the selected non-compliant facility is the best available option for access by persons with disabilities.

  5. Accessibility Symbol: The bill stipulates the use of a specific wheelchair symbol as the state symbol indicating accessibility. This symbol is the only one to be used across public and private buildings, facilities, and grounds that meet accessibility standards.

  6. Inclusive Examination Rooms: The bill also allows the commissioner to adopt expedited rules to improve accessibility in examination rooms at healthcare and dental facilities, with specific requirements to be determined during the rulemaking process.

Overall, the bill is designed to ensure that public spaces and services are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, particularly those with disabilities, through the adoption and enforcement of standardized accessibility criteria in building and facility design.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorization to adopt rules for increasing accessibility to examination rooms in healthcare facilities."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends requirements related to the State Building Code, focusing on accessibility for public buildings under section 326B.106 subdivision 9.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifications on exemption criteria and display of the accessibility symbol."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "326B.106"
  }
]

Sponsors