DE HB227

Requires all newly constructed dwelling units receiving public financial assistance to include bids indicating the extent of universal design standards proposed, with universal design use potentially serving as a basis for awarding contracts on best value rather than lowest bid criteria.

Defines "public financial assistance" to include state agency contracts, state-donated real estate, state tax credits, state grants, state loan guarantees, federal funds administered by the state, and local government funding, but excludes loans and grants to individual homeowners.

Establishes a 40-point universal design compliance scale covering no-step entry (8 points), interior accessible routes (5 points), hallway width (3 points), bathroom accessibility features (9 points), accessible bedroom (7 points), kitchen features (2 points), and hardware/lighting requirements (3 points).

Requires dwelling units to provide accessible routes, 36-inch minimum door widths, accessible bathrooms with 60-inch turning space, at least one accessible bedroom on the first floor, and lever-handle hardware throughout.

Applies these universal design requirements to single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and semi-detached residential buildings constructed with public financial assistance, with provisions that existing laws requiring more stringent standards supersede these standards.