HARRISBURG – A bill modernizing accessibility standards in PA was approved by the state House. Senate Bill 867 marks a major step forward in restoring and modernizing PA’s process for adopting updated accessibility standards in building codes. Accessibility provisions, such as requirements for ramps, elevators, door widths, and restroom accommodations, are updated every three years by the International Code Council, the most widely used standard-setting body in the country. Until 2022, PA automatically adopted their updates through the Department of Labor and Industry. However, a Commonwealth Court decision struck down that process as an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority, leaving PA reliant on outdated 2018 standards with no mechanism to adopt future updates. The bill addresses the gap by establishing a clear framework for reviewing and adopting updated accessibility codes. It also empowers the PA Accessibility Advisory Board to lead the process, ensuring decisions are informed by individuals with lived experience. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk.
