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.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill amends Arkansas law concerning restroom and changing area designations in public schools and charter schools. It defines "athletic event," "athletics personnel," and "multiple occupancy restroom or changing area." The bill creates an exception to the requirement that these areas be designated by sex. Specifically, it authorizes a coach or other athletics personnel member of the opposite sex to enter and be present in a multiple occupancy restroom or changing area. This authorization is conditional. The coach or personnel member must ensure no person is in a state of undress while they are present. Additionally, another adult, besides the coach or personnel member, must also be present. These provisions apply when the coach or personnel member is addressing, supervising, or treating student athletes they oversee. This can occur before, during, or immediately following an athletic event. The bill also clarifies that a student's sex can be based on their original birth certificate.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools, as it provides them with an option to manage athletic events and student athlete supervision in a specific scenario. Coaches and other athletics personnel of the opposite sex would also directly benefit, as they would be legally permitted to enter and supervise student athletes in multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas under the specified conditions, potentially facilitating their duties related to athletic events. Student athletes overseen by such coaches or personnel could also be indirectly considered beneficiaries, as their supervision and safety during athletic activities may be enhanced.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most likely to be negatively impacted by this bill are individuals, particularly student athletes, who would be present in multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas when a coach or athletics personnel member of the opposite sex enters. Concerns may arise regarding privacy and potential discomfort for students who are in a state of undress, even with the stipulated conditions. Parents and guardians of student athletes might also be negatively impacted, as they may have concerns about the safety and privacy of their children in such situations, potentially leading to distrust or a feeling of increased vulnerability.