§ 51. Construction of public buildings. 1. (a) In addition to any
other requirements respecting the construction of a public building and
facilities thereof, the new construction, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, alteration or improvement of all such buildings and
facilities shall conform to the requirements of the state building
construction code relating to facilities for the physically handicapped,
except work already completed, work in progress, or work for which
schematic designs have been approved by the effective date of this act.
This section shall not be effective if its provisions will impair the
structural stability of the public building or its facilities.

* (b) This section shall not apply to the reconstruction,
rehabilitation, alteration or improvement of rapid transit terminals or
stations in New York city, which shall be governed by subdivision two of
this section.

* 2. With respect to the reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration or
improvement of any rapid transit terminal or station of the New York
city transit authority or of the Staten Island rapid transit operating
authority, the obligations of such authorities for complying with the
requirements of the state building construction code relating to
facilities for individuals with disabilities shall be limited to its
compliance with the requirements of subdivision three of section
fifteen-b of the transportation law.

* NB The provisions of par (b) of sub. 1 and sub. 2 are subject to
expiration on July 26, 2020 if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
does not comply with the provisions of sub. 3 of sec. 15-b of the
transportation law.