Gov. Little signs trans bathroom criminalization bill amid statewide rallies

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little has signed a new bill into law criminalizing the use of public bathrooms not matching biological sex. The new law marks a sweeping expansion of the state's existing trans bathroom ban.

While the 2023 law already mandates that Idaho schools regulate bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex, the newly signed law expands those restrictions to state-owned buildings and other public spaces. 

House Bill 752 will create criminal charges for any individual who "knowingly or willfully" enters a bathroom or locker room that does not correspond with their biological sex. The bill introduces strict criminal consequences. A first-time violation is classified as a misdemeanor, while a second offense would be a felony.

The bill was quickly signed after reaching the Governor's Desk on Monday afternoon, March 30th.

Polarized Senate Debate

This bill has been one of the most talked-about — and controversial — of the session, with strong feelings on both sides of the aisle.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Ben Toews (R-Pocatello), defended the legislation during Senate hearings, framing it as a measure designed to keep women and girls safe and keep biological men out of areas designed for women.

"Actually, what we are trying to solve here is not targeting any group of people or one person. It's dealing with sexual predators and very real issues," Toews told lawmakers in the Senate hearing.

Critics argue it targets transgender people and could lead to harassment or discrimination. The law takes effect July 1st, 2026.

Protests and the Trans Day of Visibility

The Governor’s signature arrived just as advocates gathered across the state for Trans Day of Visibility. Rallies in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello served as both a celebration of the community and a protest against a legislative session many described as a "direct attack" on their rights.

“Trans folks in Idaho are under attack,” said Hannah Pearson-Kleinheider, a non-binary resident at the Idaho Falls rally. “Even if people don't really think about us all the time, we're here. So we're going to still keep being here.”

The rallies coincided with the passage of another piece of legislation affecting transgender Idahoans, the "Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act." The bill would require educators and mental health professionals to disclose information to parents if a child is questioning their gender identity. The bill has passed both the Idaho House and Senate and is headed to Governor Brad Little's desk.

Advocates like organizer Leah McNeal expressed grave concerns regarding the safety of children in unsupportive homes. “Forcibly outing a child... it’s going to have catastrophic effects,” McNeal said. “I worry about the mental health of some of these kids.”

Evelyn Byrd, another attendee in Idaho Falls, said she came to push back against "harmful recent legislation" and to help others feel safe within the community. Byrd encouraged those outside the LGBTQ+ community to set aside internet-based assumptions and engage in direct conversation.

Despite the political tension, organizers emphasized a theme of "trans joy." In Idaho Falls, volunteer de-escalation teams monitored the event, which remained peaceful and focused on resilience.

“We wanted to give my community a place to kind of celebrate who we are in spite of the things that are happening,” Mcneal said. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to stay strong.”