Restroom Access Act, Exploring the Key Points of Ally's Law
In the United States, over 3 million people reported having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as of 2015, which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis [1]. One such individual, Ally Bain from Illinois, experienced a Crohn's disease flare while shopping and was denied access to an employee restroom, resulting in an accident in the store [2]. This unfortunate incident led to the creation of Ally's Law, also known as the Restroom Access Act.
Ally's Law, officially recognized as the Restroom Access Act, requires qualifying retail establishments to allow customers with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, colitis, or other related conditions, to use their restrooms when no public facilities are available [1][2]. As of now, more than a dozen U.S. states have passed laws based on or similar to Ally's Law. However, not all states have adopted this legislation, and it is best to consult the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or similar advocacy organizations for a complete and up-to-date list [2].
Some of the states known to have enacted Ally's Law include Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin [2]. However, it is essential to note that New York is not among them [2]. In some states, pregnancy is also covered as a medical condition under Ally's Law.
The Restroom Access Act does not require retail stores to modify their facilities for people with eligible conditions. Instead, it allows them to use employee restrooms when no public facilities are available [2]. Establishments are not liable for injuries sustained in employee restrooms unless there is evidence of negligence.
If a business denies access to a person with valid documentation, they may face fines or other penalties, which vary by state [2]. If a local law enforcement agency fails to address the issue, it is best to contact an elected official, such as the mayor, county executive, or a state representative [2]. People can also seek help from local news agencies or national organizations to bring attention to the issue.
Ally Bain and her mother met with Illinois state representative Kathy Ryg to draft a bill allowing people to use an employee restroom if they have a medical condition and are in urgent need. The bill became law in Illinois in August 2005 [2]. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers an "I Can't Wait" card for those who need urgent restroom access [2].
It is crucial to remember that while Ally's Law falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination, the specifics of the law may vary slightly from one state to another, with differences in the type of proof required and the conditions covered [2]. For a complete and up-to-date list, it is best to consult the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or similar advocacy organizations, as state legislation can change and coverage may vary by jurisdiction.
References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Data and Statistics. Retrieved from
- In the United States, over 3 million people reported having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as of 2015, which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- One such individual, Ally Bain from Illinois, experienced a Crohn's disease flare while shopping and was denied access to an employee restroom, resulting in an accident in the store.
- This unfortunate incident led to the creation of Ally's Law, also known as the Restroom Access Act.
- Ally's Law requires qualifying retail establishments to allow customers with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, colitis, or other related conditions, to use their restrooms when no public facilities are available.
- As of now, more than a dozen U.S. states have passed laws based on or similar to Ally's Law.
- However, not all states have adopted this legislation, and it is best to consult the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or similar advocacy organizations for a complete and up-to-date list.
- Some of the states known to have enacted Ally's Law include Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- However, it is essential to note that New York is not among them.
- In some states, pregnancy is also covered as a medical condition under Ally's Law.
- The Restroom Access Act does not require retail stores to modify their facilities for people with eligible conditions.
- Instead, it allows them to use employee restrooms when no public facilities are available.
- Establishments are not liable for injuries sustained in employee restrooms unless there is evidence of negligence.
- If a business denies access to a person with valid documentation, they may face fines or other penalties, which vary by state. People can also seek help from local news agencies or national organizations to bring attention to the issue.
