This bill proposes to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that establishes regulations regarding the use of multiple occupancy restrooms and changing areas in public schools. It mandates that students must use facilities designated for their sex as identified on their original birth certificate, thereby prohibiting individuals from using restrooms or changing areas that do not correspond to their assigned sex at birth. The bill defines key terms such as "multiple occupancy restroom or changing area" and "sex," and outlines the requirements for public schools to ensure privacy and safety, including the provision of reasonable accommodations for individuals who cannot use the designated facilities.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for noncompliance, which may include fines for school officials found to be in violation of these regulations. It allows parents or guardians to take legal action against school boards if their child encounters a member of the opposite sex in a designated restroom or changing area, or if they are required to share sleeping quarters with someone of the opposite sex. The State Board of Education is granted the authority to create rules to implement these provisions. Overall, the bill aims to enforce strict gender-based access to school facilities while providing specific exceptions for emergencies and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-18-1, 18-18-2