Committee backs bill to require private changing spaces, bar required undressing in schools

Senate Bill 105, titled "Student privacy and modesty in public education," received unanimous support from the House Education Committee after the sponsor described the bill's intent and several parents and advocacy groups testified in favor.

Senator (sponsor) framed SB 105 as a response to recent incidents and to the prevalence of mobile devices, saying the bill "is basically really simple. All it essentially does is say we cannot in our schools, in our, you know, privacy locker room, bathroom, any of those spaces, require our kids to get undressed." The sponsor described personal experiences from work in an emergency department involving young patients traumatized by nonconsensual images or exposure and said the intent is to guarantee private changing options for students.

Committee members asked clarifying questions. Representative Moss suggested posting "no photos" signage in locker rooms; the sponsor said staff would check existing policy and criminal penalties. Representative Miller asked whether LEAs must provide single-occupant facilities or just make private space available; the sponsor said LEAs must ensure private space is available but the bill does not specify an exact number or design, and gave examples such as curtains or repurposing existing rooms. Public commenters included advocates from women's organizations, school-district representatives, and students; all speakers recorded in the hearing supported the bill. Representative Dufay moved that the committee favorably recommend SB 105, and the chair announced the motion passed unanimously.