The bill SB1182, known as the "Arizona Accommodations for All Children Act," amends Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Section 15-120.05, which pertains to public schools. The bill requires public schools to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who are unwilling or unable to use multioccupancy shower rooms designated for their sex. These accommodations may include access to single-occupancy or employee shower rooms, but not to shower rooms designated for the opposite sex when they are occupied by the opposite sex.
The bill also establishes a private cause of action against public schools for individuals whose requests for accommodation are denied or who encounter a person of the opposite sex in a multioccupancy shower room, provided the school allowed such access. Claims must be filed within two years of the alleged violation, and successful claimants are entitled to recover damages for harm suffered, as well as reasonable attorney fees and costs. The bill defines "sex" based on immutable biological characteristics at birth and requires "satisfactory evidence" such as an original or amended birth certificate to substantiate a person's sex. The bill includes a severability clause and becomes effective on the general effective date.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 15-120.05
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-120.05
House Engrossed Version: 15-120.05