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NYC Council bills pushing for more public bathrooms, drinking fountains become law
By
Samir Ferdowsi
Published Jul 12, 2025
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By
Samir Ferdowsi
Published Jul 12, 2025
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A bill meant to ensure that New York City doubles its number of public bathrooms officially became a law Saturday.
A companion bill that would boost the number of drinking fountains is also on the books and a measure to increase overdose prevention training in city jails is likewise a local law as of July 12.
All the measures were approved by the City Council last month and then sent to the mayor, who has 30 days to either sign the bills or veto them. Under New York City's Charter, the bills automatically become law if the mayor takes no action in that time.
The first bill, now Local Law 92 of 2025, aims to increase the number of public bathrooms across the city by ensuring detailed reporting on the city's progress in building and maintaining the facilities in the coming years. By 2035, the Council wants 2,120 public restrooms in the five boroughs, according to the law — roughly double the current amount.
“Expanding transparency and accountability in our citywide bathroom strategy is not only about infrastructure," Councilmember Rita Joseph, a prime sponsor, said in a statement. "It is a step forward towards improving public health, and the quality of life in our city."
The second measure , Local Law 93 of 2025, takes aim at a similar issue, but with a different bodily function. The bill is focused on building 50 new public drinking fountains in the next 10 years. Currently there are about 3,400 outdoor drinking fountains bubbling throughout the boroughs, according to city officials.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to purchase a single use bottle of water because there’s no public option available in city parks,” Councilmember Gale Brewer said in a statement. “It’s not so easy to find a fountain to have a drink of water. We have amazing water in New York City thanks to the Department of Environmental Protection and others. But it’s one thing to have the resource and another to have access to it.”
Local Law 91 of 2025 also hit its 30-day limit Saturday. This legislation makes Narcan training mandatory for Department of Correction uniformed staff to combat overdose deaths. The training will also be offered to incarcerated people.
“This law dramatically expands access to essential, life-saving Narcan intervention in city jails and will prevent overdose deaths,” Council Member Shahana Hanif said. “I implore the [DOC] to act quickly to implement this law and stop these avoidable, tragic deaths.”
The mayor’s office did not immediately comment on the new laws.
Tagged
new york city
parks
public safety
Samir Ferdowsi
Samir is a day-of reporter on the general assignment and breaking news desk. Previously Samir was a reporter, host and producer at VICE News.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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