North Dakota Senate debates controversial bills targeting transgender rights and school policies

The North Dakota Senate debated two bills targeting transgender rights for nearly three hours on Monday. House Bill 1181 would define gender as biological sex for state-funded institutions, while House Bill 1144 would ban gender-neutral bathrooms in schools. HB 1181 passed the House 74-13. Sponsors argue that it protects equal opportunity by barring transgender women from competing in women’s sports and enforces traditional gender roles. Opponents, including suicide prevention advocates, warned the bill could increase mental health risks for LGBTQ students. HB 1144 would prohibit multi-stall gender-neutral bathrooms and allow parents to file complaints against schools, with potential $2500 fines per violation. School administrators testified the bill interferes with local decision-making and bathroom design intended to reduce fighting and vaping. About 40 testimony entries for HB 1181 showed 85% opposition, while 50 entries for HB 1144 had 90% opposition. No immediate committee decisions were made.