This bill amends current law to permit the classification of individuals based on biological sex in specific contexts, including lavatory facilities, locker rooms, athletic competitions, and detention facilities. It establishes that such classifications do not constitute unlawful discrimination, thereby allowing public and private entities to implement these distinctions without facing legal repercussions. The bill also emphasizes the state's commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect while recognizing that certain circumstances necessitate biological sex classifications to protect privacy rights and physical safety.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any state or local government entity that classifies lavatory facilities based on biological sex must provide at least one single-occupancy bathroom accessible to all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual identity. This requirement aims to ensure inclusivity while maintaining the proposed classifications. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may lead to significant costs for constructing single-occupancy bathrooms in various facilities, with estimates ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per building.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 354-A:1
As Amended by the House: 354-A:1
HB1299 text: 354-A:1