Chambers approve each other’s bathroom, locker room bills

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Rather than sending two bills mandating people across Wyoming use facilities that align with their assigned gender at birth to a conference committee, the Senate and House have voted to send both to Gov. Mark Gordon.

On Thursday, both chambers voted to concur on House Bill 72, “Protecting privacy in public spaces act,” and Senate File 62, “Restrooms in publicly funded schools-2,” although lawmakers had discussed ensuring they would align before they became enrolled acts.

On Thursday, lawmakers backed off from that position.

“I feel like we have done the work,” said Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, who is a primary sponsor of HB 72.

“I think we have good policy, coherent and consistent policy in this space,” she said on the House floor.

In the Senate, SF 62 sponsor Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Powell, explained that there were “lengthy” amendments to his bill in the House, including added definitions for “male” and “female,” and an added measure for a cause of action, including declaratory and injunctive relief to the bill.

The amendments, he said, were “for the better.”

Gordon can choose to sign the bills, let them go into effect without his signature or veto them.

This story was published on February 28, 2025.