Committee forwards H 752 after heated debate over restroom access and privacy protections

Senator Toews presented H 752 as a privacy and safety measure intended to prohibit a person from knowingly entering a restroom or changing room of the opposite biological sex, making violations a misdemeanor and repeat offenses a felony. The bill lists nine exceptions — including custodial or medical duties, law enforcement assistance, emergencies, single-user facility use, coaching and accompanying a minor or dependent — and defines changing rooms broadly to include locker rooms and showers.

Supporters said the bill protects bodily privacy in vulnerable, multi-user spaces. Opponents — including Nikson Mathews (a Boise resident and trans Idahoan), Tarah Townsell and Carolyn Blackhurst — argued the measure criminalizes presence rather than harmful conduct, lacks clear enforcement mechanisms, and could harm transgender Idahoans. Jennifer Hook provided survivor testimony and cited the Centers for Disease Control, saying "nearly half of women experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes," and recounted a traumatic encounter in a women's locker room. Senators debated whether existing criminal statutes already address the conduct H 752 targets; Senator Ruchti and Senator Wintrow said existing laws suffice, while Senator Lenney and Vice Chairman Shippy argued a specific statute was needed to set clear boundaries. Senator Foreman moved and Senator Keyser seconded to send H 752 to the floor with a do pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote with Senator Wintrow recorded as voting nay.