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Bill

S 158

Condition for Bond

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Alexander

Massachusetts restaurants must have at least 5% armchairs or make armchairs available on-site on request, improving seating accessibility for disabled patrons.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 158

Important note: the bill metadata provided contains conflicting information (a different bill title and an extensive sponsor list). This summary is based on the actual bill text filed by State Senator Joan B. Lovely (Senate Docket No. 1417 / Senate No. 158), which concerns restaurant seating accessibility.

Summary

This bill would amend Section 13A of the Massachusetts General Laws to require restaurants and similar public food/beverage establishments to provide armchairs for patrons with physical disabilities. Specifically, at least 5% of a restaurant’s chairs must be armchairs or, alternatively, armchairs must be available on‑site and provided on request.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 13A of the General Laws by adding a new paragraph.
  • Requires that “any restaurants, including but not limited to, cafeterias, lounges, bars and other places open to the public where food or beverages are served” have at least 5% of their chairs be armchairs, or make armchairs available on-site upon request.
  • The text does not specify penalties, inspection/enforcement procedures, or an effective date.

Who would be affected

  • Covered establishments: full-service restaurants, cafeterias, lounges, bars, and other public food/beverage-serving places in Massachusetts.
  • Patrons: people with mobility limitations, upper‑body impairments, balance or transfer difficulties, older adults, and anyone who benefits from chairs with armrests.
  • Businesses: may incur minor to moderate costs to purchase additional armchairs or reconfigure seating/storage to meet the 5% threshold.

Implementation and enforcement

  • The bill text does not define:
    • How to calculate “5% of the chairs” (e.g., total seats vs. movable chairs only).
    • What qualifies as an “armchair” (dimensions, armrest height/strength).
    • Inspection mechanisms, responsible enforcement agency, or penalties for noncompliance.
  • Interaction with federal accessibility laws (ADA) is not addressed; this state rule would be a supplement to existing federal requirements.

Legislative status & timeline (as provided)

  • Introduced Jan 16–21, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1417 / Senate No. 158) by Sen. Joan B. Lovely.
  • Read twice and referred to committee (Judiciary and/or Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities / Codes noted in actions).
  • Hearing scheduled for 09/22/2025 (per provided calendar entry).
  • Other listed actions include referrals and a note that the House “concurred” on 2025‑02‑27 (metadata appears inconsistent).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Accessibility: Would increase seating options for patrons needing armrests, improving dignity and inclusion.
  • Cost and logistics: Small establishments may face one‑time costs to purchase armchairs or designate/retain stock for requests.
  • Clarification needed: Definitions, measurement rules, enforcement authority, compliance timelines, and exemptions for small/temporary vendors should be added to reduce ambiguity and aid compliance.

If you’d like, I can draft suggested clarifying language (definitions, enforcement, compliance timelines, exemptions) to strengthen the bill prior to committee review.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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