Bill in Oregon Senate on access to toilets

A bill introduced this month the Oregon Senate would ensure restroom access in commercial establishments to a select group of  people.   Senate Bill 706  would require that places of public accommodation allow customer access to employee toilet facilities if customer has certain medical conditions. It specifies exceptions and punishes violation of requirement by maximum fine of $90. The bill states that ‘Eligible medical condition’ means the use of an ostomy device or a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, any other inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome or other medical condition that can cause a person to require access to a toilet facility without delay.”    Introduced by Senator Bruce Starr of Hillsboro on March 3, the bill is now being studied by the Commerce and Workforce Development Committee. Ummm.  Let’s think about this?   Does this mean that the rest of us will forfeit our right to use the restroom.  What about restroom challenged people without “medical conditions” like little kids, older people, and pregnant women?

2 Comments

  1. Laura on March 24, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    Just an FYI-

    SB 277 is the same exact bill (not sponsored by Senator Starr) and has already been passed out of Committee with a “do pass recommendation.” It will be heading the Senate floor for a final vote shortly. Apparently this issue has been one that has had additional support prior to this session.

  2. Mara on August 19, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    SB277 (Public Accommodation Act)modeled after the Restroom Access Act (aka, Ally’s Law) has passed and been signed by the Governor. It will go into effect January 2010.

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