Originally published May 11, 2009 at 4:18 PM | Page modified May 12, 2009 at 12:43 AM

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Gregoire signs bathroom access bill

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed a bill that lets people have easier access to business' bathrooms.

OLYMPIA, Wash. —

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed a bill that lets people have easier access to business' bathrooms.

Gregoire signed the bill Monday and it takes effect July 26.

The original proposal required retailers without public restrooms to allow people with inflammatory bowel diseases to use employee restrooms, if they had an identification card or a letter from a doctor or nurse.

That provision remains in the new law. But it also requires businesses to allow any customer to use an employee restroom if three or more employees are working at the time, and the request doesn't pose a security risk.

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, who suffers from Crohn's disease, testified for the bill earlier this year.

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Can someone tell me why we have to legislate bathroom use? Geez... Posted on May 12, 2009 at 8:51 AM by MusicGal. Jump to comment

Two problems I see here. Many business bathrooms aren't located in public areas of the business. That could cause a problem. Now that they... Posted on May 12, 2009 at 6:59 AM by itsallajoke. Jump to comment

We've all been caught short from time to time and I always appreciate a business allowing me to use their facilities. I cannot understand... Posted on May 12, 2009 at 8:41 AM by pipe5043. Jump to comment

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