SF987 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Adoption of rules authorization to increase accessibility for examination rooms

Related bill: HF662

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill proposes changes to the Minnesota State Building Code with the goal of enhancing the accessibility of public buildings, leased spaces, and places hosting meetings or conferences for individuals with disabilities.

Key points of the bill include:

  1. Public Buildings: All new public buildings and remodeled areas must be accessible and usable by persons with disabilities.

  2. Leased Space: State agencies are mandated to lease spaces only if these comply with the State Building Code's accessibility regulations, or display an approved accessibility symbol, provided the lease is for 30 days or more and involves at least 1,000 square feet.

  3. Meetings and Conferences: State-sponsored public events or gatherings must be held in facilities meeting accessibility standards unless they cater specifically to individuals without disabilities. Facilities ought to accommodate the needs of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, particularly concerning visibility of sign language interpreters.

  4. Exemptions: In cases where compliant facilities are unattainable despite reasonable efforts, agencies may receive exemptions approved by the commissioner, who will be guided by criteria developed in consultation with the Council on Disability.

  5. Accessibility Symbol: A designated wheelchair symbol must be used uniformly across public and private entities to indicate accessibility compliance.

  6. Examination Rooms: The bill allows for expedited rulemaking to improve access to healthcare and dental examination rooms for disabled individuals, with specific standards to be established during the rulemaking process.

The bill is designed to ensure greater accessibility and inclusivity across various public and private venues, enhancing the mobility and participation of individuals with disabilities in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toLabor