Washington's House of Representatives today passed House Bill 1138, which would require retailers to let customers with certain medical conditions use the store's restroom, even if it's not a public restroom.

Patterned after an Illinois law, the bill is aimed at people with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease. The conditions -- which are incurable -- can cause crippling pain and a very urgent need to use the bathroom.

“Oftentimes, you have no warning or little warning,” said Rep. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, the bill's prime sponsor.

Patients would need a statement from their doctor and the bill includes some safety provisions for store workers and merchandise. The bill passed 90-7.

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