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Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2008 > May > 20 > Entry
Cates ushers Crohn’s disease awareness bill
This press release just came in from state Sen. Gary Cates, R-Butler County:
COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate this afternoon passed House Bill 150, legislation sponsored by State Representative Jim McGregor (R-Gahanna), which establishes a “good Samaritan law” to encourage Ohio retailers to provide access to private restrooms for customers who suffer from certain gastrointestinal diseases and other related medical conditions. State Senator Gary Cates (R-Butler County), who introduced a companion measure in the Ohio Senate—Senate Bill 154—on behalf of a constituent, carried HB 150 on the Senate floor.
Cates explained that he introduced SB 154 after talking with a constituent from Butler County, who has Crohn’s Disease and had been denied the use of a restroom at some retail establishments. Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic irritation of the digestive tract. It is estimated that some patients with severe IBD may need to use the restroom as many as 20 times per day.
“I always enjoy the opportunity to present legislation that reflects the needs of my constituents and works to make a real difference in their lives,” said Cates. “HB 150 is a much-needed bill that will impact thousands of Ohioans.”
HB 150 was amended in the Senate with a provision that works to bring more awareness to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel conditions. The amendment designates May 23rd as “Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Day” in Ohio, which coincides with World Crohn’s and Colitis Day.
HB 150 has received support from such business organizations as the Ohio Retail Merchants and the Ohio Grocers Association. The bill now moves back to the Ohio House for concurrence.
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