H.R.3299 - Restroom Access Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3299, the Restroom Access Act of 2025, mandates that retail establishments with employee restrooms must allow customer access under specific medical conditions. The bill requires customers to present an identification card, certified by a medical professional, indicating an eligible medical condition. The Secretary of Labor would establish a system for creating and distributing these identification cards.
Expected Effects
This bill aims to provide individuals with certain medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases, ostomy device users, and pregnant individuals, access to restroom facilities in retail establishments. It could lead to improved comfort and dignity for those with qualifying medical needs. However, it may also place additional burdens on retail establishments and require the establishment of a new federal identification system.
Potential Benefits
- Provides necessary restroom access for individuals with specific medical conditions, improving their quality of life.
- Offers a legal framework for restroom access, potentially reducing discrimination and ensuring consistent treatment.
- Could lead to increased awareness and understanding of medical conditions requiring immediate restroom access.
- May encourage retail establishments to improve their restroom facilities to accommodate a wider range of needs.
- Could reduce anxiety and stress for individuals with eligible medical conditions when visiting retail establishments.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Creates a new federal identification card system, potentially leading to administrative costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Places additional burdens on retail establishments, requiring them to manage restroom access and verify identification cards.
- May raise privacy concerns related to the disclosure of medical conditions.
- Could lead to potential abuse of the system if individuals falsely claim to have eligible medical conditions.
- May create confusion or conflict between customers and retail employees regarding restroom access policies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, which could justify regulating retail establishments. However, the creation of a federal identification system and potential privacy concerns could raise questions about individual liberties. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional amendments, such as the First or Second Amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).