Bryan County News
Guest column: Restroom Access Act introduced
By State Rep. Ron Stephens.
This week in the Georgia General Assembly, we were in full swing as many of us started to introduce bills we have talked about in the past and new legislation that just has become more pressing for us to do something about.
One bill I introduced, is a bill that most people would never consider an issue, but those afflicted, it’s a real problem. I introduced House Bill 99 or the Restroom Assess Act. Some people are afflicted with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, other inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, or any other medical condition that requires immediate access to a toilet facility or that requires use of an ostomy device. Many stores in this country have private restroom facilities for employees only and are not normally given access to patrons. This bill allows a customer to request usage of the facility and holds harmless the restroom provider for any injuries for providing this facility for a patron. The customer requesting access to the employee toilet facility must presents a copy of a written statement and issued from a healthcare provider. This is common-sense legislation, bore out by store owners afraid of litigation for a restroom not meeting standards for a customer while allowing those in need, a closer please to take care of their issue.