Committee gives SB1002 'do pass' recommendation after testimony opposing restrictions on school staff

The Committee on Regulatory Oversight voted 3-2 to give Senate Bill 1002 a "do pass" recommendation after staff explained the measure and a public witness urged lawmakers to trust school professionals.

Staff told the committee SB1002 would forbid a public or charter school employee or independent contractor from knowingly addressing or referring to an underage student by a pronoun different from the student’s biological sex, or by a name not listed in school records, without a parent’s prior written consent. The explanation also said the bill would prohibit school districts and charter schools from requiring employees or contractors to use pronouns that conflict with the employee's religious or moral convictions, and would require schools to adopt implementation policies.

Paul B, a former school professional who identified his experience on a local school board, testified in opposition. He said he had worked with transgender students for decades and had seen virtually no incidents that would warrant the legislation. "Let the public school professionals at the building level continue to do what is right for the children entrusted to their care," he said, adding "being transgender is not a choice. We do exist. Please vote no on Senate Bill 1002."

Representative Hernandez, who explained her no vote, said she sat on a school board and supported using the pronouns students request as a sign of respect. The roll call recorded Representative Contreras voting no; Representative Kessel, Vice Chairman Culloden and Chairman Chaplick voting aye, producing a 3-2 'do pass' recommendation.

The committee’s action was a recommendation to the next chamber; no final enactment occurred in this meeting. The committee adjourned after disposing of additional bills on the agenda.