Bird's Protect All Students Act Passes General Assembly

COLUMBUS – On Wednesday, State Representative Adam Bird’s (R-New Richmond) Protect All Students Act, included in Senate Bill 104, passed the General Assembly. The legislation requires public and chartered nonpublic schools, educational service centers, and institutions of higher education to designate certain facilities exclusively for students of either the male or female biological sex.

“This legislation has always been about protecting students, and I think that’s something we should all be able to agree on,” said Bird. “Many Ohioans don’t want their local schools to allow opposite-sex access to restrooms or locker rooms. The Protect All Students Act will provide clarity and a unified approach for school leaders statewide.”

Under this law, multi-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and shower rooms accessible by multiple students at once must be designated solely for either male or female students. This applies to school facilities and locations where school-sponsored activities take place. Institutions of higher education, including state universities, community and technical colleges, and both private nonprofit and for-profit career colleges, must use clear signage for these designations to ensure clarity for students and staff.

The bill was introduced in response to concerns from Ohioans about allowing opposite-sex access to restrooms, locker rooms, and shared overnight accommodations designed for multiple students. School leaders and parents across Ohio have expressed support for these protections.

The legislation now heads to the Governor for his signature or veto.