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Delegation divided as Vermillion questions annual bathroom bill; senator says she is leaning toward support pending debate
Summary
A Vermillion resident asked why several legislators voted for a bill limiting restroom access by biological sex; Senator Sydney Davis said she is "leaning toward supporting the bill" as communities seek statewide guidance, while other representatives defended the measure as setting policy for schools.
A constituent asked legislators about House Bill 1259, described in the forum as the session's annual bill regarding bathroom access for transgender students. Representative William Shorma and Representative Chris Cassin both said they supported the measure; Shorma described the text as an attempt to provide guidance for schools and said he "didn't see how that would harm anybody." Representative Cassin said he spoke with supporters and opponents before reaching his vote.
Senator Sydney Davis said she was "leaning towards supporting the bill" but would review Senate debate and possible amendments. "Yes, we might not have an issue here, but there is sentiment from others that schools are struggling with, navigating these issues on a local basis," she said, adding that the debate had been divisive in multiple districts.
Ending: Legislators urged residents to follow Senate debate and to submit testimony to committees if they have local policies or concerns to share.
