Lawmakers reintroduce bill to increase truckers’ access to restrooms

Washington — Back in the House: Bipartisan legislation that would require businesses to provide restroom access to truckers who are loading or delivering cargo at their warehouses, distribution centers, retailers and ports.

Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) reintroduced the Trucker Bathroom Access Act (H.R. 3869) on June 6 – about six months after similar legislation was halted during the previous session of Congress.

Under the bill, establishments with restrooms “intended for use by customers or employees” would have to allow truckers the same access. It doesn’t require businesses to build new restrooms.

Rail facilities, filling and service stations, and smaller restaurants with “employee use only” restrooms are not covered by the legislation.

“I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure every truck driver has the certainty that a restroom is accessible as they do their jobs,” Houlahan said in a press release. “There’s no reason truckers shouldn’t have the same rights that other employees experience in their own workplaces.”

Added Nehls: “Truckers are this nation’s backbone, and we owe them for the tireless contributions they continue to make to keep our country moving.”