Assembly approves law expanding gender‑neutral bathroom requirements in state buildings

The Assembly passed an amendment to the Public Buildings Law intended to increase access to gender‑neutral bathrooms in state buildings. The measure passed in a recorded vote, 89 ayes to 60 nays.

Sponsor Mister Epstein said the change will ensure that state agencies provide at least one public gender‑neutral restroom in government buildings where multiple restrooms exist, and that single‑occupancy bathrooms be designated gender neutral where present. He said the requirement is aimed at making government spaces accessible to families, people who are gender nonconforming, and visitors.

Floor debate focused on the statutory phrase "where practicable," whether that standard applies differently to state‑owned versus state‑leased buildings, and how the mandate would work in small facilities such as state parks or athletic centers that may only have two multi‑occupancy restrooms. Opponents warned the bill’s language — particularly the definition of "multiple‑occupancy" and the omission of an explicit practicality standard in the bill text — could require conversions in places where a single men’s and women’s room exist, raising concerns about privacy and logistical impracticality.

The sponsor and other supporters said the practical approach would normally involve signage changes or simple physical adjustments such as covering urinals, and that agencies (or OGS for state‑run buildings) would determine which bathroom to redesignate. Mister Epstein said the change is a modest, low‑cost step to improve access in state facilities and invited members’ support. The clerk recorded the vote and the bill was passed.