AL HB478

Retail establishments with employee restrooms must allow customers with eligible medical conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or other conditions requiring immediate toilet access) to use those facilities during business hours

Customers must provide documentation of their condition, such as a physician's signed statement or a Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America identification card

Access requirement applies only when no public restroom is immediately accessible, the employee facility poses no obvious health/safety/security risk, and at least 3 employees are present

Retail establishments owe no greater duty of care to customers using employee facilities than owed to a licensee, and no physical modifications to facilities are required

Employees who refuse access as required commit a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $100; effective October 1, 2026