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Bill

HB 1428

TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING PUBLIC LODGING; AND TO PROVIDE A BED HEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE ROOMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Irvin and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas law now requires public lodging facilities to maintain specific bed heights in mobility-accessible rooms to improve guest independence and safety.

Notification that HB1428 is now Act 855
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Bill Summary · HB 1428

Legislative bill overview

HB 1428 amends Arkansas law governing public lodging facilities by establishing a specific bed height requirement for mobility-accessible rooms. The bill, now enacted as Act 855, standardizes accessibility features in hotels and similar accommodations to better serve guests with mobility challenges.

Why is this important

Accessibility standards directly affect the independence and dignity of people with disabilities when traveling. Standardized bed heights in accessible rooms remove barriers that may prevent individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices from safely transferring to beds, improving their ability to stay in commercial lodging without assistance.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Hotels may face expenses retrofitting existing accessible rooms or purchasing new beds meeting the specified height requirement, potentially affecting smaller establishments more significantly
  • Specification ambiguity: The bill's specific height requirement may not accommodate all mobility needs equally, as optimal bed height varies based on individual disability types and equipment (wheelchairs vary in seat height)
  • Retrofitting timeline: Questions may arise about implementation deadlines and whether existing facilities receive grace periods before enforcement, potentially creating competitive disadvantages between older and newer properties

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

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