Bill Title: Public Restroom Gender Signage Equality Act

Preamble:

Whereas, ensuring inclusivity and respect for all individuals in public spaces, including restrooms, is fundamental to upholding basic human rights and dignity; and

Whereas, transgender individuals often face discrimination and harassment when using public restrooms that are segregated based on binary gender norms; and

Whereas, providing clear and inclusive signage for restrooms can promote safety, accessibility, and equality for all individuals, regardless of gender identity; now, therefore,

Section 3: Definitions

(a) "Public Restroom" refers to restroom facilities accessible to the public in places such as government buildings, businesses, educational institutions, and recreational facilities.

(b) "Transgender Signage" refers to signage indicating restroom facilities that are inclusive of transgender individuals and may depict symbols or language representing gender diversity.

(c) "Gender Neutral Restroom" refers to a restroom facility that is not segregated based on binary gender norms and is accessible to individuals of all genders.

(d) "Transgender Restroom" refers to a restroom facility designated specifically for transgender individuals.

Section 4: Gender Signage Requirements

(a) Public restrooms that segregate restroom facilities into male and female categories shall prominently display transgender signage in addition to traditional male signage.

(b) Transgender signage shall depict symbols or language that indicate inclusivity and respect for individuals of all genders, including transgender individuals.

(c) In instances where public restrooms are designed as gender-neutral facilities, traditional male and female signage may be omitted, and transgender signage shall be omitted.

(d) Alternatively, public restrooms may provide a separate transgender restroom facility in addition to male and female restroom facilities, with appropriate signage indicating its designation.

Section 5: Implementation

(a) Public entities, businesses, educational institutions, and other establishments providing public restroom facilities shall comply with the provisions of this act within 6 months of its effective date.

(b) The state department responsible for building codes and regulations shall provide guidelines and standards for the design, installation, and display of transgender signage in public restroom facilities.

Section 6: Compliance and Enforcement

(a) Public entities, businesses, educational institutions, and other establishments shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this act and take appropriate measures to address any violations or disputes related to restroom signage.

(b) The state department responsible for building codes and regulations shall monitor compliance with this act and provide guidance and support to ensure the effective implementation of transgender signage requirements.

Section 7: Effective Date

This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025, immediately following its passage into law.

Section 8: Severability

If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.

Section 9: Repeal of Conflicting Provisions

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.

Section 10: Enactment

This act shall be enacted into law upon approval by the Governor.

Sponsor: Michael Holloman

Co-Sponsors:

Date Introduced:

Status: DRAFT