Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Lawmakers Hear Hours of Testimony on SB 552, a Bill Allowing Businesses and Schools to Use Biological‑sex Designations
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony for and against SB 552, which would allow — but not mandate — businesses, schools and religious organizations to designate single‑sex facilities and athletic teams by biological sex. Supporters cited privacy and safety; opponents said the bill is unenforceable and would harm transgender people.
Senators heard more than three hours of testimony on SB 552, a bill that would clarify that entities in New Hampshire may use biological sex — rather than gender identity — to determine access to single‑user restrooms, locker rooms, athletic teams and similar private spaces.
Sen. Kevin Abard, the bill's prime sponsor, said the measure is permissive, not coercive, and would protect organizations that post signage by shielding them from legal liability. "It gives them the option," Abard told the Judiciary Committee, arguing the bill restores local decisionmaking and protects women's privacy and fairness in sports.
The hearing drew a long string of public commenters with sharply divided views. Representative Alice Wade, who…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
