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Andover council adopts state-mandated policy on multi‑occupancy restrooms
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Summary
The Andover City Council unanimously adopted a state-mandated policy implementing House Substitute for SB 244 that restricts use of multi‑stall restrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms by requiring users to match the gender marked on the space; the council said compliance should be achievable without major facility reconstruction.
ANDOVER, Kan. — The Andover City Council voted unanimously April 28 to adopt a state-mandated policy on multiple-occupancy private spaces that mirrors language from House Substitute for SB 244.
City staff told the council the policy applies to multi-stall restrooms, locker rooms, showers and changing rooms and "requires that only those who [whose] gender matches the marked sign at birth are able to enter that space." The policy was presented as a pass-through requirement from the state and the League of Kansas Municipalities; staff said the city could face civil penalties for violations.
"We want to be compliant with the law," the assistant city administrator told the council. The presentation said penalties could include a $25,000 fine for a first violation and $125,000 for every subsequent violation, and that each day of noncompliance could be treated as a separate violation.
Council members sought and received clarifications on scope and cost. Staff said the change would generally affect only multi-stall facilities and would not require major reconstruction of city buildings in most cases. When a council member asked whether the policy applied only to city-owned properties, staff responded that it applies to government-owned buildings.
Councilmember Homer Henry moved to approve the resolution adopting the policy and creating Section 1-11 in the Andover policy and guidelines handbook; the motion was seconded and passed 6-0.
The council recording and staff materials indicate the policy language was provided by the League of Kansas Municipalities and reviewed by the city attorney. The council did not discuss enforcement timelines or specific investigative procedures beyond noting statutory penalties.
Next steps: The adopted language will be incorporated into the city's policy handbook as Section 1-11. Staff said they would follow the required complaint and investigation processes if complaints arise under the new state law.
