Idaho lawmakers pass new bathroom bill. What would it do?

Key Points:

• Idaho's Legislature has passed a bill criminalizing the use of restrooms and changing rooms that do not match a person's sex assigned at birth in government buildings and public accommodations, with misdemeanor charges for first offenses and felony charges for second offenses within five years.
• The bill includes exceptions for custodial staff, medical assistance, law enforcement, single-user facilities, and guardians accompanying those needing assistance, but opponents argue it targets transgender individuals and creates unsafe conditions.
• Supporters claim the bill protects women and girls' privacy and safety, while opponents, including Democrats and civil rights groups like the ACLU, contend it discriminates against transgender people and criminalizes their existence without evidence of safety benefits.
• The legislation follows a series of Idaho laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights, including bans on transgender participation in sports and gender-affirming care for minors, drawing national attention and criticism from advocacy organizations.
• After the Senate's passage, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood urged the governor to veto the bill, labeling it extreme, discriminatory, and harmful to the transgender community, while supporters emphasize the need for sex-separated private spaces.