An Act increasing accessibility in restaurants for physically handicapped persons

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Lovely

Mass. bill SD 1417 requires at least 5% of seating in public restaurants to be armchairs or have armchairs available on-site on request, boosting accessibility for disabled patrons.

House concurred

Summary: SD 1417 – An Act increasing accessibility in restaurants for physically handicapped persons

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to improve seating accessibility for physically handicapped persons in Commonwealth restaurants.

It would require establishments that serve food or beverages to ensure a portion of seating accommodates accessibility needs, specifically by providing armchairs or making armchairs available on-site upon request.

Key provisions

Amendment to General Laws: Section 13A would be amended by inserting after the eighth paragraph a new requirement.

New requirement: Any restaurants open to the public where food or beverages are served must have at least 5% of the chairs be armchairs, or have armchairs available on-site upon request.

Scope: Applies to all venues open to the public that serve food or beverages, including but not limited to cafeterias, lounges, bars, and similar establishments.

Enforcement details: The text provided does not specify enforcement mechanisms or penalties.

Affected parties and impact

Affected entities: All public restaurants and similar dining establishments in Massachusetts (cafeterias, lounges, bars, etc.).

Beneficiaries: Patrons who rely on accessible seating options due to physical handicaps or mobility challenges.

Potential considerations for businesses: Small cost/space considerations to maintain or provide armchairs; potential need to rearrange seating layouts to meet the 5% standard.

Legislative status and timeline

Introduced: March 10, 2025.

Legislative actions:

March 10, 2025: Referred to the joint committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
March 10, 2025: House concurred (indicating the House agreed with the Senate version or action to move forward under current process).

Classification: Proposed bill. Status indicates House concurrence.

Prior related filing: Similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 112 in the 2023-2024 session.

Context and notes

The provision represents a targeted, modest enhancement to seating accessibility, codifying a specific accessibility standard (5% of seating as armchairs or armchairs available on-site).

No effective date is specified in the provided text; if enacted, the bill would presumably prescribe an implementation timeline to be determined by the Legislature or subsequent rulemaking.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing accessibility provisions or summarize potential cost considerations for restaurants.