HB159 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul W. LeeRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Education, to reduce the required number of restroom fixtures at public high school sports stadiums for each sex based on seating occupancy, Sec. 16-1-2.3 added.
Summary: HB 159 creates occupancy-based rules to reduce the required number of restroom fixtures in public or private high school stadiums by sex.
What This Bill Does
It adds a new section to Alabama law that sets tiered toilet and lavatory fixture requirements for men's and women's restrooms based on total stadium occupancy, applying to both existing stadiums (where changes would be needed) and new stadiums. It allows urinals to substitute for fixtures in men's restrooms according to current codes and requires calculating total occupant load using current building and plumbing codes. The measure preserves ADA and other accessibility requirements and does not override other applicable codes beyond the fixture-count rules. Exemptions available for certain renovations or constructions may apply under the same criteria.

Who It Affects
Public or private high schools with stadiums will need to adjust restroom fixture counts based on occupancy for both existing and new facilities.
Students, staff, and stadium attendees who use the restrooms will be affected by the number and size of restrooms determined by the occupancy-based requirements.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 16-1-2.3 to require occupancy-based restroom fixture counts for high school stadiums (existing and new).
Men's restrooms: 1 toilet plumbing fixture per 200 seats for the first 1,500 seats; 1 per 250 seats for the next 1,500 seats; 1 per 500 seats for remainder; 1 lavatory per 300 seats.
Women's restrooms: 1 toilet plumbing fixture per 100 75 seats for the first 1,520 seats; 1 per 150 125 seats for the next 1,520 seats; 1 per 300 175 seats for remainder; 1 lavatory per 300 seats.
Urinals may be substituted for fixtures in men's restrooms per the applicable state building or plumbing code.
Total occupant load must be calculated according to the current building and plumbing codes.
Exemptions from the new requirements may apply if renovations or construction are eligible for federal or state exemptions under the same criteria.
The section does not override accessibility requirements under the ADA or other related laws.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education