Idaho advances bill requiring sex-segregated restrooms, imposing liability on businesses for non-compliance.

An Idaho Senate committee has advanced a bill requiring public restrooms and changing rooms in government and private facilities to be separated by biological sex, making businesses liable for civil lawsuits if they fail to protect privacy and safety. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ted Hill and backed by the Idaho Family Policy Center, mandates "reasonable steps" to prevent access by individuals of the opposite sex, though it lacks clear guidelines on what constitutes compliance. Exemptions include parents with children, employees, law enforcement, and medical staff. Business groups warn the law could force companies to police restroom use or close facilities to avoid liability, while supporters argue it protects vulnerable individuals, especially parents and children. The bill’s vague language on enforcement and liability has sparked debate over legal risk and practicality.