The Women's Safety and Protection Act aims to enhance the safety and privacy of individuals in domestic violence shelters, public schools, and juvenile detention facilities by establishing single-sex spaces in these environments. The bill defines key terms such as "domestic violence shelter," "juvenile detention facility," and "multiple occupancy restroom or changing room." It mandates that domestic violence shelters and public schools designate separate sleeping quarters and restrooms for males and females, while also providing reasonable accommodations for individuals who may be unable to use the designated facilities for their sex.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes that state agencies cannot prohibit sex-based distinctions in facilities where safety and privacy are concerned. It outlines specific circumstances under which individuals may enter areas designated for the opposite sex, such as for maintenance or medical assistance, and clarifies that these provisions do not interfere with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Overall, the act seeks to ensure that the health, safety, and privacy of individuals, particularly women and girls, are prioritized in these critical settings.