Bill > SB444

This bill enhances accessibility standards for housing in Oregon by requiring the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules mandating that at least 10 percent of dwelling units in new Group R-2 buildings (typically multifamily residential buildings like apartments) must be Type A dwelling units, which are designed to be more accessible for people with disabilities. The bill also updates existing laws to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, ensuring that new subsidized housing developments meet specific accessibility requirements. These requirements include having stepless exterior routes, visitable common living spaces, accessible powder rooms, and strategically placed light switches and controls. For subsidized developments with 15 or more units, the bill mandates additional accessibility features that enable mobility for wheelchair users and communication accessibility for individuals who are blind or deaf. The new standards will become operative on January 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to develop and implement the necessary rules. The bill aims to make housing more inclusive and usable for people with various disabilities by setting clear, comprehensive accessibility standards.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB444