By ALLISON LANDRY
Capital News Service
RICHMOND, Va. – A legislative panel has killed a bill designed to give Virginians suffering from Crohn’s disease or similar medical conditions immediate access to a toilet.
A subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee shelved House Bill 1375, which would have required businesses to let people with certain bowel disorders use their employee restrooms in an emergency.
The so-called Restroom Access Act, sponsored by Delegate Rob Krupicka Jr., D-Alexandria, would have applied to business that do not have public toilet facilities. The bill exempted banks, filling stations and other retail establishments “where providing access would create an obvious security risk.”
Opponents feared the legislation might hurt businesses by opening them to lawsuits. They also raised concerns about security and intellectual property.
As originally written, the bill provided for a $100 penalty against retailers who refused to provide restroom access to eligible customers. Krupicka tried to address the concerns by reducing the fine to $25.
However, at a Monday afternoon meeting of the subcommittee, none of the members moved to approve the bill. It was unclear whether the proposal might come up again.
Several states, including Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky, have enacted similar restroom access laws for people with medical problems, Krupicka said.
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Scenes from Sept. 28, 2024 in Fredericksburg, Virginia
On September 26, officers investigated a bomb threat at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, prompted by a phone call from a Woodbridge man, police said.
On September 26, officers near Manassas attempted to detain Jaime Antoni Villatoro Santos, who actively resisted and assaulted an officer. He was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of justice.
The Prince William County Police Department is seeking help in locating missing juvenile Phoenix Marsalis Lewis, who left his home on Pearson Dr. on September 25, 2024.
Established transportation company has immediate part-time position open as a back-up driver transporting military personnel from the Woodbridge area to Baltimore and Richmond. No CDL required but must be able to pass DOT physical and drug test. Must good driving record and pass criminal background check. Send resume with references to [email protected] or call 606-594-7018
Job details
Employer: Bfs Transportation
Position: 15 Passenger Van Driver
Employment type: Part-time
Workplace type: Fully in-person (in Woodbridge)
Compensation: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Contact for application questions: Not specified
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