On September 29, 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1732, which will require single-user restrooms in California business establishments, government buildings, and places of public accommodation, to be universally accessible to all genders, and identified by signage as all gender. A “single-user” restroom is defined by statute as a toilet facility with no more than one water closet and one urinal with a locking mechanism controlled by the user.  The new law, which takes effect on March 1, 2017, authorizes public inspectors or building officials to check for compliance during any inspection.

The signing of AB 1732, considered the most progressive statewide restroom access policy in the nation, follows a trend of greater protections for gender identity. Earlier this year, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing issued guidelines for protecting transgender rights in the workplace. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has taken the position that all employees, including transgender employees, should have access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity.

Should you have any questions about the new law or other workplace developments, please feel free to contact Cary Palmer or Nick Poper in Jackson Lewis’ Sacramento office, or the Jackson Lewis attorney with whom you regularly work.

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Photo of Cary G. Palmer Cary G. Palmer

Cary G. Palmer is a principal in the Sacramento, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He represents management in employment, labor and benefits law and related litigation. Cary has extensive class action experience. He also mediates class actions.

Cary practices before the state…

Cary G. Palmer is a principal in the Sacramento, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He represents management in employment, labor and benefits law and related litigation. Cary has extensive class action experience. He also mediates class actions.

Cary practices before the state and federal courts in California, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Equal Opportunity Commission, the California Civil Rights Department, the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, and the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. He also defends management in statewide and nationwide class action and collective action litigation. Cary also defends management in litigation involving wrongful termination, reductions in force, discrimination, harassment, breach of contract, wage and hour, benefits, and other labor and employment-related actions. He also conducts employee and management training seminars, and provides proactive employment advice and counsel.