The key novelty introduced by the amendment is a clearer definition of an accessible building open to the public, which is no longer limited to an accessible entrance or a part of a building where public services are provided. Accessibility and, consequently, the usability of the built environment are now addressed in a comprehensive manner. An adequate level of adaptation must be ensured for both the building and its surroundings, enabling persons with disabilities to access all services intended for the public that are provided within the building.

An important change is the strengthened supervision of the implementation of the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act. Through the amendment, the Construction and Geodetic Inspectorate has obtained a legal basis to supervise all buildings open to the public, even where no construction works are being carried out.

In exceptional cases, the amendment allows for exemptions in ensuring accessibility of buildings open to the public. Where the required adaptations are technically unfeasible, would compromise essential or other requirements of the building, or would impose a disproportionate financial burden, the owner or operator must submit an expert assessment to that effect. The deadline for preparing such an assessment is six months from the entry into force of the amendment, i.e. until June 2026.

The amendment further specifies offences and fines for failure to adapt buildings after the expiry of the statutory deadline (December 2025). If, during an inspection, the required accessibility adaptations have not been implemented, owners or operators will be required to carry them out within a specified period; otherwise, financial penalties may follow.

The amendment (in Slovenian) is available here.