LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: HB 608 HLS 24RS 89
Bill Text Version: ENROLLED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 21, 2024 9:25 AM Author: WILDER
Dept./Agy.: Statewide
Subject: Woman’s Safety and Protection Act Analyst: Tanesha Morgan
CIVIL/LAW EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX Page 1 of 1
Provides with respect to the definition of male and female
Proposed law Woman’s Safety and Protection Act that provides protections for women and girls against sexual assault and
harassment committed by biological men. It would require separate accommodations in certain contexts where biology,
safety, or privacy are implicated. This includes requiring separate restrooms in public schools, separate areas in domestic
violence shelters, and separate areas in correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers. There are some exceptions
allowing entry such as for custodial services, medical assistance, law enforcement assistance, or during emergencies.
Proposed law also establishes that requiring biological females to be housed with biological males in these contexts is
presumed to be inherently discriminatory. Proposed law defines relevant terms such as "female," "male," "man," and
"woman" in biological terms. It specifies that any law distinguishing between the sexes is subject to intermediate scrutiny,
which allows such distinctions only when there is an important governmental interest. Remedies are provided for violations,
including injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total
REVENUES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
Proposed law requires domestic violence shelters, public schools, correctional facilities, and juvenile detention facilities to
designate restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters for use by only one biological sex. Proposed law also specifies
that during any public school authorized activity or event where students share sleeping quarters, no student shall share
sleeping quarters with a member of the opposite sex. It is unclear if co-ed housing on university campuses is considered a
“public school authorized activity or event.” To the extent that co-ed housing on university campuses is considered a
“public school authorized activity or event,” universities may incur costs associated with providing non-co-ed
housing options for students.
Proposed law also provides for remedies for violations of proposed law including damages and attorney fees. To the extent
that an agency is named in a civil suit for violation of proposed law, the state may be liable for monetary damages.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental revenues as a result of this measure.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
Patrice Thomas
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee 6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer