House Votes to Send Student Bathroom Bill to State Senate

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A bill that would require students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their biological sex is headed to the state Senate.

The House of Representatives voted 58-10 to approve the plan Wednesday.

Republican Representative Fred Deutsch is sponsoring the measure. He says the bill is meant to protect the privacy of students. Schools must provide "reasonable accommodations" for transgender students' needs under his plan.

Accommodations include a single-occupancy bathroom or the "controlled use" of a staff-designated restroom, locker room or shower room.

Democratic Representative Karen Soli called the bill "government overreach." She says lawmakers don't need to intervene.

Some legislators this session are also attempting again to void a high school activities association policy allowing transgender student athletes to request playing on the team of their choice.

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