Gov. Brown Signs Law Expanding Accommodations For Disabled People

CONCORD (CBS SF) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation that expands accommodations for individuals with physical disabilities at entertainment venues in the state, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, announced Monday.

Assembly Bill 662, authored by Bonilla, was signed by the governor Saturday. It will require public restrooms in certain entertainment venues to install and maintain at least one adult changing station table for people with a physical disability.

The requirement targets commercial places of public amusement with a maximum occupancy of 2,500 people or more, including auditoriums, convention centers, exhibition halls, sports arenas and theaters, according to Bonilla's office.

The accommodations need to be installed by Jan. 1, 2020, or Jan.  1, 2025, for existing facilities with renovation projects that require permits or have estimated costs of $10,000 or more, according to Bonilla's office.

"By expanding public restroom accommodations, people with physical disabilities and their families and friends are given the dignity and comfort to go about their daily lives," Bonilla said in a statement.

She added, "These rudimentary human necessities are imperative for the health and well-being of our disabled community."

"Being physically disabled should never be a deterrent or barrier to enjoying simple pleasures in life, such as attending sporting events, the movies or civic engagements," Bonilla said.

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