Requires that certain commercial buildings be equipped with unisex or family restrooms

BILL NUMBER:A7786A REVISED 3/4/10

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law and the execu- tive law, in relation to requiring unisex or family bathrooms in certain buildings accessible to the public

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill requires that certain commer- cial buildings be equipped with unisex or family restrooms.

Summary of specific provisions

See bill.

Justification

Family or unisex bathrooms can improve the quality of life for an increasingly elderly population, families with young and/or disabled children and people with disabilities, by providing greater access to restrooms in commercial locations. The mobility and freedom of many people to travel, shop, attend special events, visit a doctor's office or to simply go about their daily lives is limited by a lack of appropriate bathroom facilities. Caregivers and parents are often made to feel embarrassed and uncomfortable when taking care of their small children in public restrooms designated for the opposite sex of the child. Furthermore, imagine that you have a son or daughter with autism or that you are a caregiver for an adult with a disability. Imagine that you have to take insulin shots to manage your diabetes, and then picture having to plan every trip outside your home around the hurdle of locat- ing an appropriate restroom facility. These imagined circumstances are very real for a great many people in New York State. This legislation will provide people with special needs and families with small children, especially children with autism and/or other disabilities greater access to restrooms, allowing them to visit more p laces without worry and improving their quality of life.

Prior legislative history

2008 - A7178-A - Referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection 2009 - Referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:; To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addi- tion, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its effective date is author- ized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.