What's happening
This bill requires all single occupancy bathrooms in state-owned or operated buildings to be designated as gender neutral.
Why it matters
Promotes inclusivity and privacy. by allowing people of any gender identity to use single occupancy bathrooms in state buildings without stigma or discomfort.
Reduces barriers for transgender and non-binary individuals. , who may otherwise face harassment or confusion when choosing gendered restrooms, making public facilities safer and more accessible.
Streamlines compliance and signage. for state agencies and building managers by establishing a clear, uniform policy for single-user bathrooms, reducing ambiguity and administrative burden.
Sets a precedent. that could influence policies in other public and private spaces, supporting broader movements for gender inclusivity and equal access in New York and potentially beyond.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Make Bathrooms Gender Neutral
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to investigations and government operations
- Referred to rules
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Make Bathrooms Gender Neutral
In Senate Committee · Investigations And Government Operations · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6620
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
June 7, 2017
Introduced by Sen. LANZA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT to amend the public buildings law, in relation to requiring that all single occupancy bathrooms in state owned or operated buildings be designated as gender neutral
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public buildings law is amended by adding a new section 144 to read as follows:
§ 144. Gender neutral single occupancy bathrooms. The commissioner of general services shall have the power and it shall be his or her duty to ensure that all single occupancy bathrooms in state owned or operated buildings be designated as gender neutral single occupancy bathrooms. For purposes of this section: "state owned or operated buildings" shall mean any state owned property used for official state business, and shall include any building or office space, not owned by the state, but which is primarily used for official state business; and "single occupancy" shall mean intended for use by no more than one occupant at a time or for family or assisted use.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05127-03-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public buildings law, in relation to requiring that all single occupancy bathrooms in state owned or oper- ated buildings be designated as gender neutral
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this bill is to require single occupancy bathrooms in state owned or operated buildings be designated as gender neutral.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 adds a new section 144 to the public building law to require single occupancy bathrooms in state owned or operated buildings be designated as gender neutral.
Section 2 provides for the effective date.
Difference between original and amended version (if applicable)
The amendments provide clarifying and technical changes.
Justification
Gender identity is personal to an individual and not based on how the public views the individual's appearance. Many individuals are subjected to institutional hostility and made to feel uncomfortable when required to access facilities that match an outward appearance. Providing a gender neutral single use bathroom is a step toward acceptance of differences and avoiding segregated groupings. A gender neutral single use bathroom would eliminate the stigma an individual experiences by imposing the need to choose a facility based on an outward appearance when that appearance does not match how the individual feels inside.
Prior legislative history
2017: S.6620 - Referred to Rules / A.5137A - Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.