“legislation would create a plan for the District to provide public restroom facilities”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Susan Bird

From a press release:

“In an effort to provide dignified facilities for residents experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau introduced legislation today that would create a plan for the District to provide public restroom facilities, and create incentives for businesses that make restrooms available to the public. Nadeau is the Chair of the Human Services Committee which has oversight of the Interagency Council on Homelessness. The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Grosso, Silverman, White, Allen, and Bonds.

“Lack of access to public restrooms is an issue which affects many residents, but its effects are particularly felt by residents experiencing homeless and people with unique restroom needs such as pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly,” said Nadeau. “This bill will create a thoughtful plan that helps our most vulnerable populations.”

The bill authorizes a task force to research and prepare recommendations for installing public restrooms in the District. The task force will make specific proposals, such as site location and pricing, which could serve as a roadmap for future installation of public restroom facilities. Many major world cities in Europe and Asia readily provide public restrooms, and large U.S. cities have increasingly sought to provide restroom access for all.

A copy of the bill as introduced is available here.”