Nebraska Lawmakers Debate Bathroom Access Bill

Proposed legislation would require public facilities to designate restrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nebraska State Senator Kathleen Kauth has introduced a new bill, LB 730, that would require public schools, colleges, and state agencies to designate restrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex and prohibit use by the opposite sex. The bill has drawn hours of testimony from both supporters, who say it protects privacy and safety, and opponents, who argue it is harmful and unnecessary.

Why it matters

This bill is part of a broader effort in Nebraska and other states to restrict access to bathrooms and other intimate spaces based on gender identity. Supporters argue it is a common-sense measure to protect privacy, while opponents say it singles out and harms transgender and gender diverse individuals.

The details

LB 730 would require all public schools, colleges, and state agencies in Nebraska to designate restrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex and prohibit use by the opposite sex. Supporters of the bill say it respects privacy and safety concerns, while opponents argue it is unnecessary and harmful to transgender and gender diverse people.

  • The bill was introduced by Senator Kathleen Kauth in the Nebraska Legislature in January 2026.
  • A legislative hearing on LB 730 drew hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents on January 29, 2026.

The players

Senator Kathleen Kauth

The Nebraska state senator who introduced LB 730, the bill that would require public facilities to designate restrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex.

Justin Jacobsen

A supporter of LB 730 who argued that the bill respects privacy and safety concerns.

Kathy Wilmot

A supporter of LB 730 who stated that requiring sex-segregated bathrooms does not constitute sex discrimination.

Eric Reiter

An opponent of LB 730 who argued that the bill singles out transgender and gender diverse children and creates harmful environments.

Michelle Jud

An opponent of LB 730 who stated that the bill is unnecessary and that documented harm to transgender people is real and measurable.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a common-sense measure that establishes the right to privacy in intimate spaces for both sexes, as has been the case for decades.”

— Senator Kathleen Kauth

“We have an obligation from god and to ourselves to protect women and should not have to be discussing this if we are doing what we are already supposed to be doing in the first place.”

— Justin Jacobsen

“To require individuals to be provided with sex-segregated bathrooms, that's not wrong, that's something that we should do, it doesn't constitute sex discrimination.”

— Kathy Wilmot

“LB 730 singles out transgender and gender diverse children for differential treatment in schools, creating environments that increase stigma, fear and harm rather than safety.”

— Eric Reiter

“This bill is unnecessary because it seeks to solve a problem that doesn't exist, while documented harm to trans people is real and measurable.”

— Michelle Jud

What’s next

On Thursday, there will be a hearing on LB 732, which would change provisions related to the Let Them Grow Act that passed in 2023, restricting gender-affirming care for minors in Nebraska. That hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Nebraska State Capitol.

The takeaway

This debate over bathroom access in Nebraska highlights the ongoing tensions around transgender rights and the balance between privacy, safety, and non-discrimination. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures.