The Restroom Access Act – Ally’s Law

Restroom Access Act – Ally’s Law

The Restroom Access Act, also known as Ally’s Law is  passed in 14 states. This law requires businesses to allow people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, ostomies, and other medical conditions to use “employee only” restrooms, as long as there are 3 or more employees working at that time. Some states also have exceptions, depending on how large the facility is.

The law was drawn up in Illinois by a 14-year-old named Ally Bain who was denied access to a bathroom by a manager and ended up having an accident in a clothing store. With the help of Illinois Representative Kathy Ryg, Ally wrote legislation and eventually had the bill passed in Illinois. Other states have followed, with the current total at thirteen:

States that have passed The Restroom Access Act

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wisconsin
• Washington

If a store denies access to the restroom it is considered a petty offense and and the store will be fined.

If you live in one of the states that has passed The Restroom Access Act, consider printing out our “Urgent, Please Help!” card and carrying it with you! There are other courtesy cards available from The Great Bowel Movement and The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.  This will enable you to have something to explain to the employees of the business as to why you need access to the restroom!

You can find more information about the specifics of the law in different states from Healthline.