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Committee hears testimony and advances 'Riley Gaines' bill clarifying sex-related definitions in law
Summary
SB 4-68, titled in the hearing as the Riley Gaines Women's Safety and Protection Act, passed the committee after sponsor testimony and a public witness opposed the bill on safety grounds for transgender people; final vote recorded as 7 ayes, 1 no, 1 present not voting.
Vice Chair Bolling presented SB 4-68, described in the hearing as the Riley Gaines Women's Safety and Protection Act, which the sponsor said would "clarify and reconcile the meaning of male, female, and related terms in state law" and provide protections for women and girls in settings such as correctional facilities and shelters.
The committee heard public testimony from Nino, who identified as affiliated with "bridal rainbows," and said the bill would make public spaces less safe for transgender people and could endanger trans women in custody. "The so called women's safety and protection act will make public spaces less, not more safe for women," the witness said, urging a no vote. The sponsor and others said the bill aims to protect women’s safety and that it is designed not to criminalize or prohibit demonstrations; the committee adopted the amendment and recorded a roll-call that moves the bill to calendar.
Members heard both the sponsor's intent and an opponent's safety concerns; the committee’s vote advances the bill for further consideration on the legislative calendar.
