Bill > HB2006

This bill seeks to define and preserve single-sex spaces in West Virginia by establishing clear legal definitions of biological sex and creating specific guidelines for sex-segregated facilities in various public settings. The legislation defines "male" and "female" based on reproductive biological characteristics, establishing that sex is determined at birth and that there are only two sexes, with accommodations for individuals with documented differences in sex development (DSD). The bill mandates that domestic violence shelters, public schools, state higher education institutions, and correctional facilities must provide separate sleeping quarters, restrooms, and changing areas exclusively for females and males, with provisions for reasonable accommodations for individuals who cannot use facilities matching their biological sex. The law aims to protect women's privacy and safety by preventing individuals of the opposite biological sex from accessing sex-specific spaces, with narrow exceptions for medical emergencies, law enforcement, maintenance, and child accompaniment. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to collect sex-based data accurately to understand sex-specific differences in areas like crime, health, and economic trends. The legislation explicitly references constitutional protections for sex equality while emphasizing the biological differences between males and females, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2006&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill