Norton Introduces Bill to Provide Access to Restrooms in Retail Establishments for Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced her bill to require retail establishments to provide individuals who have medical conditions requiring immediate access to restrooms, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, access to employee-only bathrooms when such establishments do not have public facilities. The individual would need to present documentation of the medical condition and the bill will include provisions to protect the safety of employees.

"Individuals living with diseases such like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis often need immediate access to restrooms," Norton said. "When public restrooms are not available, these individuals should be able to use those reserved for employees."

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar legislation.

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