Juneau -- The Senate Monday approved a measure, which increases the minimum number of plumbing fixtures required in the state plumbing code for women's restrooms. The Senate voted 14-5 to approve Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Senator Dave Donley (R-Midtown Anchorage).

SB 8 will amend current statute to surpass the national standard and provide approximately a 2.5 to 1 ratio of women's to men's facilities. The bill will reduce the current excessive waiting time women face when using the restroom facilities while attending large public events in building constructed or expanded after January 1, 2000.

"Common sense tells us there is a serious problem with a shortage of female facilities in large assembly buildings" explained Donley. "Many women have health problems that affect their need to use such facilities. One study reported that 50% of women over the age of 18 have an incontinence problem. Childbirth is the largest contributing factor to this, and when women are forced to stand in long lines to use the bathroom, they can be in considerable pain."

Other states have already enacted "potty parity" laws. In Tennessee and six other states, the ratio is 2 to1. In Texas the ratio is not less than 2 to 1 in facilities where the public congregates. Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota have a 3 to 1 ratio, while Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a ratio of 3.75 to 1. Washington State has the highest ratio of women's to men's facilities of 4 to 1 in all public buildings.

"SB 8 only requires up to a 2.7 to 1 ratio depending on the size of the facility" noted Donley.

Senate Bill 8 now goes to the House for consideration.

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