Michigan House passes Restroom Privacy Act after heated debate

The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4024, known in debate as the Student Restroom Privacy Act, after an extended floor debate over privacy, safety and civil-rights implications. The bill passed on a roll-call vote, 58-46, and the House ordered immediate effect.

Supporters said the measure is aimed at ensuring multiple-occupancy restrooms, changing areas and similar school facilities are used according to a student’s sex assigned at birth. Representative James Paquette spoke in support, invoking testimony from students and saying, “We hear you today, Liliana, in the Michigan House of Representatives.” Representative Fox also argued the bill protects students’ “privacy and dignity” in restrooms, locker rooms and showers.

Opponents warned the bill could infringe civil-rights protections. Representative Cynthia Scott said the measure “would infringe on civil rights by denying people access to bathroom facilities aligned with their gender identity,” and argued it conflicts with the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Lawmakers on both sides raised enforcement and policy-priority concerns. Scott noted practical enforcement challenges and called the bill a distraction from education funding needs. Supporters countered that the measure restores privacy and safety for students in multiple-occupancy spaces.

The House proceeded to a record roll-call vote after floor remarks. The clerk announced 58 ayes and 46 nays. The majority floor leader moved and the House agreed to immediate effect, making the measure effective upon the governor’s signature or as otherwise provided by law.

The debate drew repeated calls from the presiding officer to keep remarks germane to the bill. The bill’s passage completes the House’s action on the measure; the text of the bill was read on the floor during second and third readings before final passage.