On Tuesday, February 7th, the Minnesota senate commerce committee passed the "Restroom Access Act." The local CCFA helped organize support for this bill for those in need of restroom access in stores which do not have public facilities. Businesses refusing access face a $100 fine. (source: St. Paul Pioneer Press)

An opponent of the legislation has dubbed it the "Freedom to Poop Act."

In January, IBDers in Delaware (led by a former Ms. Delaware) introduced similar legislation in that state:

Miss Delaware and Rep. Joe Booth (R-Georgetown) are fighting for the public's right to potty.

Booth introduced House Bill 3, the Restroom Access Act, which would require some businesses to provide public access for private restrooms if a customer has a medical condition, such as Crohn's disease or colitis.

(source: The Daily Times)

In December 2006, a Texas legislator also sponsored a restroom bill:

Texas would join two other states that mandate access to employee-only restrooms for anyone with a pressing medical condition, including pregnancy, under a legislative proposal.

State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, said he agreed to sponsor the bill after meeting with a support group for people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, autoimmune diseases that can cause intestinal cramping and diarrhea.

"We should all be inspired by their example to have the courage to speak out about difficult issues and to advocate for others who silently endure difficult chronic illnesses," Strama said. [boldface added]

(source: "State bill would open business bathrooms to those with urgent need", Houston Chronicle, 2006-12-21)

According to the Houston Chronicle article, Maryland and Illinois already have laws in place.

Good for them . . . (Does it point to more prevalent IBD, or more awareness?)