Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3070

Introduced
1/17/24  
Introduced
1/17/24  

Caption

A bill for an act permitting coaching staff and personnel of the opposite sex to enter school locker rooms during athletic events.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws regarding gender-specific facilities in schools. By providing legal ground for coaches to enter locker rooms designated for athletes of the opposite sex, SSB3070 aims to enhance the safety and management of sports events. This change may be seen as progressive by those advocating for gender inclusivity in sports environments, ensuring that all students receive adequate support from their coaching staff regardless of sex.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3070 aims to permit coaching staff and personnel of the opposite sex to enter school locker rooms during athletic events and practices. This bill modifies Section 280.33 of the Iowa Code, creating an exception to the existing prohibition against individuals entering locker rooms that do not correspond with their sex. Supporters of the bill argue that allowing coaches access to locker rooms for members of the opposite sex is essential for effective coaching and supervision during athletic events.

Contention

However, SSB3070 has raised notable concerns among various stakeholders. Critics argue that granting opposite-sex coaching staff access to locker rooms could compromise the privacy and comfort of student-athletes. Such fears are particularly pronounced among parents and advocacy groups for student privacy, who express apprehension that the bill might inadvertently lead to awkward or uncomfortable situations within locker rooms, which could ultimately detract from students' athletic experiences.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HB1215

To Authorize A Coach Or Athletics Personnel Member Of The Opposite Sex To Address, Supervise, Or Treat Student Athletes In A Multiple Occupancy Restroom Or Changing Area Under Certain Conditions.

IA HSB208

A bill for an act permitting public schools to designate and allow the use of restrooms and changing facilities only by persons of the same biological sex, and providing a private cause of action.(See HF 622.)

IA HF622

A bill for an act permitting public schools to designate and allow the use of restrooms and changing facilities only by persons of the same biological sex, and providing a private cause of action.(Formerly HSB 208.)

IA SF482

A bill for an act prohibiting persons from entering single and multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas and other facilities in elementary and secondary schools that do not correspond with the person's biological sex and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 335.) Effective date: 03/22/2023.

IA SF2055

A bill for an act prohibiting persons from entering single and multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas and other facilities in public accommodations that do not correspond with the person's biological sex, and including effective date provisions.

IA LD868

An Act to Ensure Equity and Safety in Athletics, Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Housing at Elementary, Secondary and Postsecondary Schools

IA SF335

A bill for an act prohibiting persons from entering single and multiple occupancy toilet facilities and other facilities in elementary and secondary schools that do not correspond with the person's biological sex and including effective date provisions.(See SF 482.)

IA SB165

Creates the "Save Women's Sports Act" and provisions regarding usage of school locker rooms

IA SB00673

An Act Permitting Coaches Of Interscholastic Athletics To Work With Students During The Off-season.

IA SB974

Requires all public school shower rooms, locker rooms, and restrooms to be designated for and used by male or female students only

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.