By PSA Newsroom Staff
Columbia, S.C. — A South Carolina House committee has advanced legislation supporters say will strengthen student safety, privacy, and consistency in school and campus restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas across the state.
The bill, H.4576, would require public K–12 schools and public colleges and universities to designate multi-occupancy bathrooms and similar facilities for use based on biological sex. The proposal passed the House Judiciary Committee and now heads to the full House for debate.
Supporters Emphasize Safety and Clear Standards
Lawmakers backing the bill say H.4576 provides clear statewide rules that help schools maintain safe, predictable environments for students, particularly in spaces where individuals may be undressed.
Supporters argue that clearly defined restroom and locker room policies reduce confusion for administrators, reassure parents, and protect students’ personal boundaries and physical privacy.
The measure would also move existing bathroom-use rules out of the state budget — where they are temporary — and into permanent state law, offering what supporters describe as stability and uniform enforcement across districts and campuses.
Full bill text and status:
H.4576 — Bathroom, locker room, and facility use requirements
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4576&session=126
How the Bill Works
Under H.4576, public schools and colleges would be required to designate multi-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and similar facilities for use by individuals of the same biological sex.
Institutions that do not comply could face loss of state funding, a provision supporters say ensures accountability while protecting students statewide under the same safety standards.
Related Senate Proposal
A similar bill is moving in the Senate under the Student Physical Privacy Act, filed as S.199, which contains comparable language related to restroom and locker room use in public schools.
S.199 — Student Physical Privacy Act:
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/199.htm
EXPLAINER: Why Supporters Say the Bill Improves
Restroom Safety
Supporters of H.4576 say the legislation is rooted in student safety and privacy, especially in shared spaces that can make students vulnerable.
Key benefits cited by supporters include:
• Clear expectations for students and staff, reducing uncertainty and disputes
• Improved privacy protections in bathrooms and locker rooms
• Safer learning environments, particularly for younger students
• Consistency statewide, rather than differing rules by district or campus
• Stronger parental confidence in school safety policies
Backers stress that the bill is not about targeting students, but about setting objective standards that schools can enforce fairly and uniformly.
Opposition and Ongoing Debate
Opponents continue to raise concerns about how the bill could affect transgender and gender-diverse students, particularly regarding inclusion and emotional well-being. Some advocacy groups argue that enforcement could create uncomfortable situations for students and staff.
Supporters counter that the bill focuses on facilities, not individuals, and that schools can still provide alternative accommodations while maintaining safety and privacy in shared spaces.
What Comes Next
H.4576 now moves to the full South Carolina House. If approved, it will advance to the Senate, where lawmakers may consider it alongside S.199.
As debate continues, lawmakers say they are balancing student safety, privacy, and parental expectations with broader conversations about education policy and student rights.
