By ALLISON LANDRY
Capital News Service
RICHMOND, Va. – A legislative panel has killed a bill designed to give Virginians suffering from Crohn’s disease or similar medical conditions immediate access to a toilet.
A subcommittee of the House Courts of Justice Committee shelved House Bill 1375, which would have required businesses to let people with certain bowel disorders use their employee restrooms in an emergency.
The so-called Restroom Access Act, sponsored by Delegate Rob Krupicka Jr., D-Alexandria, would have applied to business that do not have public toilet facilities. The bill exempted banks, filling stations and other retail establishments “where providing access would create an obvious security risk.”
Opponents feared the legislation might hurt businesses by opening them to lawsuits. They also raised concerns about security and intellectual property.
As originally written, the bill provided for a $100 penalty against retailers who refused to provide restroom access to eligible customers. Krupicka tried to address the concerns by reducing the fine to $25.
However, at a Monday afternoon meeting of the subcommittee, none of the members moved to approve the bill. It was unclear whether the proposal might come up again.
Several states, including Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky, have enacted similar restroom access laws for people with medical problems, Krupicka said.
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The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
