Lawmakers approve bill to separate designated bathrooms by sex, enact trespass penalties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Legislature approved a bill that penalizes people who enter bathrooms designated for the opposite sex at certain entities and refuse to leave once asked.

The House gave final passage to the bill 80-36 while the Senate passed it 26-12.

The bill that mandates separate male, female or unisex bathrooms for entities such as schools and government buildings.

The legislation outlines that someone commits the offense of a trespass if they enter a bathroom designated for the opposite sex at a state building, correctional institution, detention facility, juvenile correctional facility and any educational institution.

The bill sponsor said the offense would take place if that person does not leave once someone asks them to.

The bill said the trespass charge does not apply to Department of Corrections employees and prisoners, detention facility prisoners and employees, juvenile prisoners and staff, as well as students, administrative personnel or instructional personnel at educational institutions.

It requires that the governmental entity establish disciplinary procedures for any employee of the governmental entity who enters a restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex and refuses to leave when asked by employees of the governmental entity.

Each covered entity would establish their own disciplinary procedures for their employees.

Someone from outside would be under jurisdiction from local authorities under the trespass.