Idaho Passes Extreme Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill

On Friday afternoon, the Idaho Senate approved a Republican-supported bill that would make it a crime for transgender individuals to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

This is among the harshest anti-trans laws in the United States.

When Gov. Brad Little signs it, the measure will criminalize restroom use including in private businesses. https://mrf.lu/8RZl

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— The Advocate (@advocate.com) March 27, 2026 at 12:36 PM

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Under the bill, a person who “knowingly and willfully” enters a restroom or changing facility that does not align with their sex assigned at birth in a government building or place of public accommodation can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

A second conviction within five years can be charged as a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

The law would apply to libraries, rest stops, airports, malls, gas stations, restaurants, entertainment venues, hospitals, and other businesses.

Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning it would be difficult to enforce and could force officers to determine a person’s sex assigned at birth or assess whether someone qualifies for an exception.

Lawmakers declined to adopt changes requested by the Idaho Sheriff’s Association that would have required officers to first ask individuals to leave before making an arrest.

Idaho just passed the most extreme transgender discrimination bill in the nation — requiring all patrons to use the restroom associated with their sex assigned at birth.

So can anyone explain to me how it’s going to work when these trans men walk into the women’s restroom? pic.twitter.com/pCU5ft8xLm

— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) March 27, 2026

The bill now heads to Governor Brad Little for his signature.

Upon signing, the new law would go into effect July 1 – making Idaho the fourth state with a major bathroom ban targeting transgender people through arrest or significant criminal or civil penalties.

In March 2020, Gov. Little signed two bills into law that targeted trans youth.