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Congress·In Committee·10 months ago

New Bill Requires Retailers to Open Employee Restrooms to Customers with Medical Conditions

Also known as: Restroom Access Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill requires retail stores to let customers use their private employee restrooms if the person has a medical condition that requires immediate bathroom access.
  • Eligible conditions include inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's or colitis, the use of an ostomy device, and pregnancy.
  • To get access, a customer must show a special ID card. The Department of Labor would create a system to provide these cards to people who have a note from their doctor.
  • Stores are only required to help if they have at least two employees on duty and if the restroom is in a safe area that does not put the customer at risk.
  • The goal is to help people with chronic illnesses or urgent needs go about their day without worrying about being turned away during a medical emergency.
HealthcareLabor EmploymentCivil Rights

Milestones

2 milestones3 actions
May 8, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

May 8, 2025

Introduced in House

May 8, 2025

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E403)

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 180 days of enactment (if passed)

Department of Labor must have the medical ID card system up and running

People with qualifying conditions could start applying for the special ID card that lets them request access to employee restrooms at retail stores.

Related News

1 article
PBS News (WTTW)·about 1 year ago

Starbucks' Policy Change Flushes Out a Debate Over Public Restroom Access

Reporting on the 'mish-mash' of state and local laws, this coverage cites the Restroom Access Act as a critical protection for people with Crohn's disease and other conditions, while noting that enforcement remains a challenge in many jurisdictions.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Restroom Access Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 3299
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.