Overview
- The Senate approved House Bill 752 and sent it to Gov. Brad Little, and if he signs it the law would take effect July 1.
- The policy would cover any place of public accommodation, reaching private businesses such as restaurants, malls, hospitals, airports, and gas stations.
- The bill sets escalating penalties, with up to one year in jail for a first misdemeanor and up to five years in prison for a repeat felony within five years.
- The measure criminalizes entering restrooms or changing areas designated for the opposite sex based on sex assigned at birth rather than any misconduct.
- Law enforcement groups oppose the bill and warn it would force officers to judge a person’s sex or decide if someone met a vague “dire need” exception.