Restroom Access Act of 2025
The Restroom Access Act of 2025 would require retail establishments with restrooms that are not normally open to the public to allow a customer with an eligible medical condition to use that restroom during business hours, under specific conditions. To qualify, the customer must present an identification card (to be created and distributed by the Secretary of Labor within 180 days of enactment), two or more employees must be on duty when the request is made, the restroom must not pose an obvious health or safety risk, and a public restroom must not be available at the time of the request. Eligible medical conditions include inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome), use of an ostomy device, or any other diagnosed condition (including pregnancy) that requires immediate restroom access. The bill defines key terms and sets the framework for implementation, with the aim of ensuring access to necessary facilities for individuals with certain medical needs while maintaining workplace safety and operations.
Key Points
- 1Access right for non-public restrooms: Retail establishments must allow a customer with an eligible medical condition to use a non-public restroom during business hours, if all specified conditions are met.
- 2Identification card system: The Secretary of Labor must establish a system to issue an identification card to individuals certified by a medical professional as having an eligible medical condition, within 180 days after enactment.
- 3Eligible medical conditions: Includes inflammatory bowel diseases, ostomy device users, and any other diagnosed condition (including pregnancy) that requires immediate restroom access.
- 4Conditions to meet for access: (1) customer is lawfully on the premises, (2) the customer presents the identification card, (3) at least two employees are working when access is requested, (4) the restroom is not in a health or safety risk area for the customer, and (5) no public restroom is available at the time.
- 5Definitions and scope: clarifies who is a customer, what constitutes a retail establishment, and which medical professionals can certify conditions; the term “retail establishment” covers places open to the public for goods or services in interstate commerce.