Senate Bill 8 will allow women to attend large public events in buildings constructed after January 1, 2000 without enduring the line they have inevitably had to face, thus unfairly impacting their enjoyment of the event they are attending. With this bill, the ratio of women's to men's facilities will be increased to a 3:1 ratio and bring fairness to the situation.

The current statute adopts the entire most recent Uniform Building Code except table A-29-A which is an older version of the code that provides fewer plumbing facilities for women. Senate Bill 8 will correct this oversight.

Senate Bill 8 amends current statute and specifically addresses the number of facilities provided for women in "assembly places." The current table in statute does provide a slightly elevated number of facilities for women in comparison to those provided for men, but the ratio does not meet the demand. SB 8 will amend table A-29-A currently in statute and mandate a 3:1 ratio for women's to men's facilities.

Senate Bill 8 will improve an unfortunate situation women face at every large event they attend. The lines for the bathroom are a reality for every woman who attends functions in "assembly" places such as auditoriums, convention halls, stadiums, etc. Senate Bill 8 will increase the ratio and afford women the same benefits offered to men at these large events.

Senate Bill 8 will correct a situation that has plagued women since indoor events have been held in the State of Alaska. It is a step in the right direction and will give women the opportunity to enjoy the event they are attending rather than spending the majority of their time in line for the bathroom.

DD/srs