HCS HB 1733 -- FAMILY RESTROOMS

CO-SPONSORS:  Williams (121), Graham (24)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Governmental Organization and Review by a vote of 7 to 4.

This substitute requires public facilities such as sports
stadiums, auditoriums, and shopping malls which are built after
January 1, 2001, to provide one family restroom for every pair
of male and female restrooms which have 3 or more toilets.
Family restrooms are required to have a privacy latch and comply
with all state and federal laws regarding access for persons
with disabilities.

The substitute also requires a privacy latch for entrances to
restrooms which have no more than 2 toilets.  Such restrooms are
required to comply with all state and federal laws regarding
access for persons with disabilities.

Facilities constructed prior to January 1, 2001, which undergo a
major structural renovation are required to provide family
restrooms or privacy latches for restroom entrances.  Churches;
schools; private clubs; places owned and operated by religious
corporations, associations, and societies; or any other
establishment not open to the public are not required to provide
family restrooms.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue of $125,000 in FY 2001,
$129,375 in FY 2002, and $133,903 in FY 2003.  Cost to Parks
Sales Tax Fund of $104,250 in FY 2001, $100,425 in FY 2002, and
$110,599 in FY 2003.  Cost to Conservation Commission Fund of
Unknown in FY 2001, FY 2002, and FY 2003.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is difficult for a family
member to help another family member who is disabled use a
restroom.  Single parents and grandparents also have problems
taking small children into restrooms of the opposite sex.  It is
not safe to let small children use a restroom by themselves.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Williams (121); and
Silvered Hair Legislature.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 1733 -- Family Restrooms

Co-Sponsors:  Williams (121), Graham (24)

This bill requires public facilities such as sports stadiums,
auditoriums, and shopping malls which are built after January 1,
2001, to provide one family restroom for every pair of male and
female restrooms which have 3 or more toilets.  Family restrooms
are required to have a privacy latch and comply with all state
and federal laws regarding access for persons with disabilities.

The bill also requires a privacy latch for entrances to
restrooms which have no more than 2 toilets.  Such restrooms are
required to comply with all state and federal laws regarding
access for persons with disabilities.

Facilities constructed prior to January 1, 2001, which undergo a
major structural renovation are required to provide family
restrooms or privacy latches for restroom entrances.  Churches,
schools, private clubs, places owned and operated by religious
corporations, associations and societies, or any other
establishment not open to the public are not required to provide
family restrooms.