An act relating to access to employee restrooms for individuals living with an inflammatory bowel disease

This bill requires retail establishments in Vermont to allow customers with inflammatory bowel disease to use employee restrooms when public restrooms are not immediately accessible. The law applies to businesses open to the public and defines eligible conditions to include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions requiring immediate restroom access. To qualify for access, customers must use an ostomy device or show written proof from a healthcare provider, and the business must have at least two employees present while the restroom is not in a public area or a safety-risk location. Businesses that comply are protected from liability, while those that refuse access face civil penalties of up to $100 for the first violation and $500 for subsequent ones. The Department of Health will create a printable card for patients to carry as proof of their condition.