Explanation: Capitals indicate matter added to existing law.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmember Cohen
A Bill Entitled
An Ordinance concerning
title
Gender-Inclusive Single-User Restrooms
For the purpose of requiring that certain single-user restrooms in Baltimore City be made available to all individuals regardless of gender; requiring that certain single-user restrooms use gender-inclusive signage to identify the restroom; defining certain terms; establishing certain penalties; and providing for a special effective date.
body
By adding
Article - Health
Section(s) 17-101 through 17-106, to be under the new title,
“Title 17. Public Restrooms”
Baltimore City Revised Code
(Edition 2000)
By repealing and reordaining, with amendments
Article 1 - Mayor, City Council, and Municipal Agencies
Section(s) 40-14(e)(7) and 41-14(6)
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the Laws of Baltimore City read as follows:
Baltimore City Revised Code
Article - Health
Title 17. Public Restrooms
§ 17-101. Definitions.
(a) In general.
In this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b) Gender-inclusive signage.
“Gender-inclusive signage” means a sign identifying a restroom that does not indicate a specific gender, such as “Restroom,” “Bathroom,” “Toilet,” or a symbol indicating the restroom’s availability for use by any individual regardless of gender.
(c) Place of public accommodation.
“Place of public accommodation” has the meaning stated in State Government Article, § 20-301 {“‘Place of public accommodation’ defined”}.
(d) Public single-user restroom.
(1) “Public single-user restroom” means a single-occupancy restroom for public use with at least one water closet and with an outer door that can be locked by the occupant.
(2) “Public single-user restroom” does not include:
(i) any private restroom in a residence, apartment, hotel, or hospital; or
(ii) a restroom only accessible from a private room or office.
§ 17-102. {Reserved}
§ 17-103. Requirements for single-user restrooms.
Any public single-user restroom in a commercial or industrial establishment, a place of public accommodation, or a City-owned or -occupied building must be:
(1) made available for use by individuals of any gender; and
(2) identified with gender-inclusive signage.
§ 17-104. {Reserved}
§ 17-105. Enforcement by citation.
(a) In general.
In addition to any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement procedure, this subtitle may be enforced by issuance of:
(1) an environmental citation under City Code Article 1, Subtitle 40 {“Environmental Control Board”}; or
(2) a civil citation under City Code Article 1, Subtitle 41 {“Civil Citations”}.
(b) Process not exclusive.
The issuance of a citation to enforce this subtitle does not preclude pursuing any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement action authorized by law.
(c) Each day a separate offense.
Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
§ 17-106. Criminal penalties.
(a) In general.
Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each offense.
(b) Each day a separate offense.
Each day that a violation continues is a separate offense.
Baltimore City Code
Article 1. Mayor, City Council, and Municipal Agencies
Subtitle 40. Environmental Control Board
§ 40-14. Violations to which subtitle applies.
(e) Provisions and penalties enumerated.
(7) Health Code
Title 17: Public Restrooms $100
Subtitle 41. Civil Citations
§ 41-14. Offenses to which subtitle applies - Listing.
(6) Health Code
Title 17: Public Restrooms $100
Section 2. And be it further ordained, That the catchlines contained in this Ordinance are not law and may not be considered to have been enacted as a part of this or any prior Ordinance.
Section 3. And be it further ordained, That this Ordinance takes effect on the 90th day after the date it is enacted.