Tennessee considers emergency bathroom law

NASHVILLE, April 30 (UPI) -- The governor of Tennessee is expected to sign a bill giving people with bowel control problems access to businesses' private bathrooms, an official said.

The Tennessee Restroom Access Act would give residents who have "a medical condition that requires immediate access to a restroom" the ability to use private bathrooms when in need, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported.

State Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, the bill's co-sponsor, said the rule may be in place by July 1, after Gov. Phil Bredesen signs it.

To gain access to private bathrooms, residents will be required to present a doctor's note or proof of belonging to the Tennessee chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Jackson said.

He added that businesses refusing to comply with the new law could be fined up to $100 for every eligible person not allowed into the restroom.

"I think as fellow citizens, we have to reach out and show sufferers of this disease some sympathy and compassion," Jackson said.