Missouri Senate Committee Hears Bill on Private School Bathroom Policies

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Senate Education Committee heard testimony this week on a bill that would protect private schools from lawsuits over single-sex bathroom and changing room policies.

The legislation is sponsored by State Senator Mike Henderson. He told committee members the bill would provide legal protection for private schools that base bathroom and changing room use on the sex listed on a student’s birth certificate.

Under the proposal, private schools could not be sued solely for maintaining those policies, provided they follow the exceptions outlined in the bill.

The measure would also prohibit local governments from requiring private schools to change those bathroom policies. If a city or local government attempted to force a policy change, it could be held liable for legal expenses.

Opposition testimony came from several individuals, including Samantha Jones, who identified as an intersex and non-binary Missourian. Jones told lawmakers that Missouri birth certificates only list male or female and argued the proposal would create challenges for students who do not fit within those categories.

Committee member Senator Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Clay County, also voiced frustration during the hearing, saying lawmakers should spend more time focusing on classroom issues rather than school bathroom debates.

During the hearing, the bill received testimony from three supporters and seven opponents.

The legislation now awaits a vote in the Senate Education Committee.