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Bill > SB0215

IN SB0215

IN SB0215
Gender matters.

summary

Introduced
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/08/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/27/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Gender matters. Defines "sex" and "gender" for purposes of the Indiana Code. States that the definitions of "sex" and "gender" are meant to be synonymous in the Indiana Code unless specifically defined otherwise and is clarifying language. Sets forth requirements of a short form birth certificate and a long form birth certificate. Specifies when a short form birth certificate may be amended. Requires the Indiana department of health to: (1) update the definition of "sex" used by the agencies; (2) identify birth certificates issued with a change in sex classification by court order; (3) change the sex on the birth certificate back to the originating sex and reissue the birth certificate; and (4) void the superseded document. Allows for the sharing of certain information among specified agencies for the purpose of reissuing a birth certificate. Requires public buildings, certain schools, state educational institutions, and certain businesses to designate multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas for the exclusive use of the male sex or the exclusive use of the female sex and provides, with exceptions, that an individual may only use a multiple occupancy restroom or changing area designated for the individual's sex. Provides specified remedies for a violation of these requirements, including criminal penalties or civil actions. Provides that a school may not promote or encourage the use of, or require, compel, or coerce a student, an employee of the school, or a staff member of the school to use: (1) a pronoun, title, or other word to identify a student, school employee, or other individual that is inconsistent with the student's, employee's, or individual's biological sex; or (2) a name or nickname to identify a student that is inconsistent with the student's name on the student's birth certificate. Creates an exception. Prohibits the department of correction (department) and each county jail from housing incarcerated individuals in a facility that does not align with the incarcerated individual's sex. Creates a civil cause of action for the department's or a county jail's failure to comply with the prohibition.

AI Summary

This bill, titled "Gender matters," aims to redefine "sex" and "gender" within the Indiana Code to mean the biological classification of male or female based on reproductive potential, determined by genes, hormones, gonads, and genitalia, and states these terms are synonymous unless otherwise defined. It mandates that multiple-occupancy restrooms and changing areas in public buildings, schools, state educational institutions, and certain businesses must be designated for the exclusive use of either males or females, with individuals generally required to use facilities matching their designated sex, though exceptions exist for custodial, maintenance, emergency assistance, or accompanying individuals needing help. The bill also prohibits schools from promoting or requiring the use of pronouns or names inconsistent with a student's biological sex or birth certificate name, and requires correctional facilities and county jails to house incarcerated individuals according to their sex, with provisions for civil actions and penalties for violations. Additionally, it establishes new requirements for birth certificates, including separate short and long forms, and restricts amendments to short-form certificates, while also impacting driver's license gender designations and introducing new legal actions and immunities related to these provisions.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services (on 01/08/2026)

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