SB1040

THE CONTEXT: A public school is any public institution that offers instruction to students in preschool programs for children with disabilities, kindergarten programs or any combination of the 1st-12th grades ( A. R.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would mandate a public school, upon written request, provide a reasonable accommodation to any person who is, for any reason, unwilling or unable to use: a) a multi-occupancy restroom or changing facility designated for their sex that is located in a public school building; or b) multi-occupancy sleeping quarters while attending a public school-sponsored activity, specifies a reasonable accommodation: a) includes access to a single-occupancy or employee restroom or changing facility; and b) excludes access to a restroom or changing facility designated for use by individuals of the opposite sex while individuals of the opposite sex are, or could be, present, and allow a public school to adopt necessary policies to accommodate individuals protected under the ADA or young children who need physical assistance when using public school restrooms or changing facilities.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for public schools into an enforceable rule. It would mandate a public school, upon written request, provide a reasonable accommodation to any person who is, for any reason, unwilling or unable to use: a) a multi-occupancy restroom or changing facility designated for their sex that is located in a public school building; or b) multi-occupancy sleeping quarters while attending a public school-sponsored activity, and would also specifies a reasonable accommodation: a) includes access to a single-occupancy or employee restroom or changing facility; and b) excludes access to a restroom or changing facility designated for use by individuals of the opposite sex while individuals of the opposite sex are, or could be, present, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.