House committee advances Student Restroom Privacy Act after contentious hearing; vote 7‑4 to report with H‑1 substitute

The Michigan House Committee on Education and Workforce on Jan. 28 considered House Bill 40‑24, titled the Student Restroom Privacy Act, which would require public educational institutions to designate multiple‑occupancy restrooms, locker rooms and changing areas by students' sex assigned at birth. After roughly two hours of testimony from supporters and opponents, the committee voted to report the bill with the H‑1 substitute by a roll call of 7 ayes to 4 nays.

Sponsor's argument: Rep. Tim Fox (sponsor) told the committee the bill is "common sense legislation that addresses a growing problem in our educational system" and framed the measure as protecting students' privacy and safety in vulnerable spaces. Rep. Fox said the bill "requires educational institutes to ensure multiple occupancy spaces... are only used by individuals based on the individual ***," adding in plain terms, "boys use boys' bathrooms and girls use girls' bathrooms."

Supporters' testimony: Proponents who…