HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has restored its ability to update accessibility standards for buildings and public spaces after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s building code process for people with disabilities.
What This Means for You
- Pennsylvania can again adopt updated accessibility standards for ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other public accommodations.
- The new law creates a public review process for future accessibility code updates.
- State officials say the measure fixes a legal gap created by a 2022 court ruling.
Senate Bill 867, now Act 16 of 2026, establishes a new framework for reviewing and adopting updated accessibility provisions in Pennsylvania building codes after a Commonwealth Court decision halted the state’s previous process.
Accessibility standards govern features such as wheelchair ramps, elevator access, door widths, restroom accommodations, and other building requirements intended to ensure people with disabilities can safely access public and private spaces.
Court Decision Froze Updates
According to lawmakers, Pennsylvania had automatically adopted updated accessibility standards issued every three years by the International Code Council until a 2022 Commonwealth Court ruling found that process amounted to an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority.
As a result, the state remained tied to outdated 2018 accessibility standards without a formal mechanism to adopt newer versions.
Act 16 creates a new review structure centered around the Pennsylvania Accessibility Advisory Board, which will oversee recommendations for future code updates.
Tina Tartaglione, D-Philadelphia, said the legislation is intended to ensure accessibility decisions include input from individuals directly affected by the standards.
“For people with disabilities, accessibility is absolutely essential,” Tartaglione said. “With this bill now signed into law, Pennsylvania can move forward with modern, practical standards that allow everyone to fully participate in their communities.”
Public Hearings and Reviews Required
Under the new law, proposed accessibility code updates must undergo a public comment period and at least one public hearing before adoption.
The process will also require reviews of public health and safety impacts, economic considerations, and technical feasibility.
Lawmakers said the Accessibility Advisory Board was chosen to oversee the process because of its expertise and representation from the disability community.
“The Accessibility Advisory Board is uniquely qualified to take on this responsibility,” Tartaglione said. “This law ensures that the voices of people with disabilities are centered in decisions that directly impact their daily lives.”
Bipartisan Support Backed Bill
The legislation was sponsored by Sens. John Kane, D-Chester/Delaware, Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, and Tartaglione.
Kane said the law is intended to reduce barriers for residents with disabilities.
“Everyone deserves to live, work, and move through their community without unnecessary barriers, and this law helps make that a reality,” Kane said.
Robinson called the measure an important bipartisan update to ensure Pennsylvania’s accessibility standards continue evolving.
“These codes are essential so that persons with disabilities can live healthy, productive lives and access public facilities without unnecessary barriers,” Robinson said.
Lawmakers said the bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly with near-unanimous bipartisan support following negotiations involving legislators, the Department of Labor and Industry, and disability-access stakeholders.
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