GOP lawmakers are trying to sneak an anti-trans bathroom bill through without any hearingshttps://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/01/gop-lawmakers-are-trying-to-sneak-an-anti-trans-bathroom-bill-through-without-any-hearings/ 🔗John Russell (28 Jan 2026)
Republican lawmakers in Kansas are trying to ram through an anti-trans bathroom ban by including it in a bill that previously only related to whether trans people could change their gender markers on their driver's licenses.
In its original form, H.B. 2426 would have required Kansas driver's licenses and birth certificates to indicate a person's sex assigned at birth, regardless of their gender identity. That version of the bill was opposed by more than 200 people who showed up to a House Judiciary Committee meeting earlier this month, even though the bill only appeared on the committee's agenda 24 hours before.
But prior to Monday night's hearing, the committee gave no public notice that it would be taking action on the bill or that it would consider the bathroom ban, according to the Reflector.
Lewis's amendment requires government buildings in the state to segregate spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms by sex and requires people to use only those facilities that align with their sex assigned at birth. It includes exceptions for unisex single occupancy restrooms and family changing rooms, and for situations in which medical attention is needed, for law enforcement, and for coaching — presumably allowing male coaches to enter women's and girls' locker rooms. Penalties for violations include a written notice for a first violation, up to a $1,000 fine for a second, and a misdemeanor criminal charge for a third. The amendment also allows individuals to bring private legal action against violators.
