The Law 4/2017 of Murcia, also known as the Universal Accessibility Law, establishes the legal framework to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities to access on equal terms to the environment, services, transport, information and communication throughout the regional territory.
This regulation responds to an urgent social need: to build a more inclusive and equitable region, where all people, regardless of their abilities, can carry out their daily lives autonomously.
Object and purpose of Law 4/2017 of Murcia
The main object of Law 4/2017, of June 27, is to guarantee the right to universal accessibility in the Region of Murcia, eliminating physical, sensory and cognitive barriers that hinder the full participation of people with disabilities.
It is based on the Statute of Autonomy of the Region of Murcia, specifically on:
- Article 9.2: which recognizes the rights of citizens to enjoy a dignified life without discrimination.
- Article 10: which attributes to the Autonomous Community powers in matters of social services and accessibility.
The Law is also inspired by state regulations, especially the Consolidated Text of the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Scope of application of Law 4/2017
The law applies throughout the entire territory of the Region of Murcia, and its scope of action covers:
- Public and private transportation for collective use.
- Building and urban planning.
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
- Urbanized public spaces and buildings.
- Adapted natural environments.
It affects both the regional public administration and private entities, companies and individuals responsible for offering services to the public or executing projects with public financing.
Structure of Law 4/2017
The law is organized into 7 titles, 50 articles, 5 additional provisions, 2 transitional and 1 repealing. The titles address:
- General provisions
- Accessibility in physical environments
- Accessibility in communication and the information society
- Transportation accessibility
- Accessibility in public services
- Citizen participation and monitoring bodies
- Sanctioning regime
Each block establishes technical and legal criteria to guarantee universal accessibility in its specific area.
Key institutions: Observatory and Advisory Council
Law 4/2017 creates two fundamental advisory bodies:
Accessibility Observatory of the Region of Murcia
It is responsible for:
- Periodically evaluate the accessibility situation.
- Issue reports and recommendations.
- Promote inclusive public policies.
Regional Universal Accessibility Advisory Council
It functions as a participation and advisory body. It is made up of representatives of:
- Public administrations.
- Third sector entities.
- People who are experts in accessibility and universal design.
In addition, a Fund for the Promotion of Accessibility is established, with resources intended to finance adaptations, training and innovative projects.
Development regulation: Decree 177/2024
In 2024, Decree 177/2024 was approved, which regulates the development of this law. Among the most relevant aspects are:
- Mandatory compliance deadlines.
- Specific technical criteria for each area.
- Regulation of the sanctioning procedure.
This regulation comes into force in October 2024, giving administrations and entities a margin to adapt to the new requirements.
Comparison with previous regulations
Law 4/2017 expressly repeals Law 5/1995 of the Region of Murcia, updating the regulatory framework to international standards of accessibility and universal design.
Unlike the previous one:
- It is broader and transversal, affecting more sectors.
- Introduces specific control bodies.
- Establishes specific technical and legal obligations and sanctions.
Resources available: easy reading and download
The Region of Murcia has published an easy-read version of Law 4/2017, especially designed for people with cognitive or comprehension difficulties.
It can be downloaded in PDF format from CARM’s official portal, along with Decree 177/2024.
Conclusion
The Law 4/2017 of the Region of Murcia represents a regulatory milestone in terms of universal accessibility. It not only updates and expands the previous legal framework, but also establishes clear mechanisms for its compliance, evaluation and continuous improvement.
Its effective application will not only benefit people with disabilities, but all citizens, promoting a more accessible, inclusive and fair region for all.
