Relates to enacting the "traveling with dignity act"

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic28
• Republican13

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pete Harckham says this is needed

Adult changing tables are an incredibly important resource for adults who struggle with mobility issues and incontinence, allowing them to access the same amenities as those who are ambulatory. Individuals cannot participate in society when they do not have a dignified way to use the restroom. Changing tables and toilets serve similar functions- they both allow individuals to have a dignified way to relieve them- selves and clean up afterwards. Both require privacy and safety to adequately serve their function. And, both result in similar conse- quences when they are inaccessible; one either compromises their own physical health and dignity by allowing caregivers to resort to changing those in their care in spaces that may be unsanitary or unsafe, such as bathroom floors, or they simply choose to avoid public spaces altogeth- er. Lying exposed on a cold, wet, and dirty restroom floor is not only bad for one's mental health, but also potentially their physical health. Changing stations also minimize contact with contaminated surfaces, lowering the chance of infections and viruses. Additionally, tables must be height-adjustable to make this accommodation accessible to every person with disabilities who vary in ability, height, and weight, and allow an easy, safe transfer from a wheelchair. The United States doesn't have a federal mandate requiring adult-sized changing stations in public restrooms. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which passed in 1990, serves as a landmark civil rights law aimed at ensuring equal access for people with disabilities. The ADA set forth requirements for public spaces to implement accessibility elements such as ramps, mobility devices, and more. Adult-sized changing tables are as much a part of accessible toileting as grab bars and toilet stalls that can accommodate wheelchairs. Unfortunately, adult changing accommodations were not included in the act, making it imperative for New York State to pass legislation ensuring that public buildings are completely accessible to disabled New Yorkers. The "Traveling with Dignity" bill seeks to address these gaps, making it clear that access to adequate restroom facilities is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental civil right. By mandating the installation of adult changing stations in public spac- es, this bill recognizes that dignity is a civil rightone that allows adults with disabilities to visit movie theaters, museums, convention centers, and other public venues with the same ease and comfort as their able-bodied peers. It acknowledges that every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, should have access to clean, safe, and private facilities. This legislation is not just about compliance; it is about affirming the inherent dignity of all people and ensuring that every New Yorker can participate in society fully and with respect. References: * Health & Human Rights Journal, No Dignity on the Floor: A Human Rights Argument for Adult-Sized Changing Tables in Public Restrooms in the United States, HTTPS://WWW.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV/PMC/ ARTICLES/PMC10309150/ * Wasserstrom Blog, Adult Changing Stations Are a Necessity for Inclu- sive Public Buildings, HTTPS ://WWW. WASSERSTROM.COM/BLOG/2024/07/24/ADULT-CHANGING-STATIONS-ARE-ANECES SITY-FOR-INCLUSIVE-PUBLICBUILDINGS/?SRSLTIC1=-AFINBOORJMMCFXVUS3BWI4YGQZ HYK8OLLSQ05FR3 GHBW 55CS458 JEVT

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.