Senate Bill 223 seeks to enhance protections against discrimination across multiple sectors, including employment, housing, education, and public accommodations, by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. The bill defines gender identity as an individual's internal understanding of their gender, irrespective of their sex assigned at birth, and gender expression as the external manifestation of that identity. Key amendments involve the inclusion of gender identity and gender expression in existing non-discrimination laws, which previously only addressed sex and sexual orientation. This expansion covers various areas such as educational institutions, jury duty, adoption rights, and the national guard, ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against based on these characteristics.

Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies and contracting entities take remedial actions if discrimination based on gender identity or expression is identified. It requires contracts executed by certain state authorities to include non-discrimination clauses that encompass these new categories. Furthermore, insurers and service providers are prohibited from discriminating based on gender identity and expression, broadening the scope of protections to guarantee equal access to services and opportunities. The bill also clarifies that while institutions may segregate students in dormitories by sex, they must ensure that no student is denied accommodations consistent with their gender identity. Overall, Senate Bill 223 aims to create a more inclusive legal framework that protects individuals from discrimination in various aspects of life.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 15.04(1)(g), 15.04, 16.765(1), 16.765, 16.765(2), 36.09(1)(e), 36.09, 36.11(3)(a), 36.11, 36.12(1), 36.12, 36.29(1), 36.29, 38.04(13)(b), 38.04, 38.23(1), 38.23, 38.23(4), 47.02(3m)(f), 47.02, 48.82(1)(a), 48.82, 48.82(6), 51.90, 66.0125(3)(a), 66.0125, 66.0125(3)(c)1.b