The bill amends section 15.1-06-21 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish specific guidelines regarding transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools. It prohibits school districts from adopting policies that require or prohibit the use of a student's preferred gender pronoun. Additionally, it mandates that a separate restroom accommodation plan for transgender students must be established with parental approval, while also prohibiting students from using restrooms that do not align with their biological sex. The bill further stipulates that restrooms and shower rooms must be designated exclusively for males or females, and multi-stall or gender-neutral facilities are not allowed.

Moreover, the bill introduces enforcement mechanisms, allowing parents to file complaints with the attorney general if they believe a school district is violating these provisions. The attorney general is empowered to investigate complaints, issue subpoenas, and seek court orders to enforce compliance. Violations of the bill may result in civil penalties of up to $2,500 per infraction. Additionally, schools that were compliant with state plumbing board requirements as of January 1, 2025, are exempt from any requirements that would cause them to fall out of compliance with toilet-to-student ratios when designating restrooms.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-06-21
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Frelich: 15.1-06-21
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-06-21