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, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis, access to employee-only bathrooms when such establishments do not have public facilities. The individual would need to present documentation of their medical condition and the bill will include provisions to protect the safety of employees.

"Individuals living with chronic illnesses such as Crohn's disease, IBS and ulcerative colitis often need immediate access to restrooms," Norton said. "When public restrooms are not available, these individuals should be able to use facilities that are reserved for employees."

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

Norton's introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the Restroom Access Act of 2025

May 8, 2025

Today, I introduce the Restroom Access Act of 2025, which would require a retail establishment to provide an individual who has a medical condition requiring immediate use of a restroom, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, access to an employee-only restroom when such an establishment does not have a public restroom. Individuals would be required to present a Department of Labor-issued identification card certifying that they have an eligible medical condition.

Individuals who have certain medical conditions need immediate access to a restroom. When public restrooms are not available, these individuals may experience uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. As long as there are no safety concerns, which this bill addresses, these individuals should be able to use an employee-only restroom.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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