Nebraska Lawmaker's Transgender Bathroom Bill Fails

Attempt to revive controversial legislation falls short in state legislature

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:25pm

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Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth made a last-minute effort to attach her transgender bathroom bill to a separate bill expanding maternity leave for state employees, but the attempt failed to gain traction in the Nebraska legislature.

Why it matters

The failed attempt highlights the ongoing political tensions around transgender rights and bathroom access, especially in conservative states like Nebraska where such legislation has faced strong opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates.

The details

Sen. Kauth's controversial bill would have required students in public schools to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match the sex listed on their birth certificates. The measure was previously rejected by lawmakers earlier this year, but Kauth tried to revive it by tacking it onto the unrelated maternity leave bill.

  • The original transgender bathroom bill was rejected by Nebraska lawmakers earlier this year.
  • Sen. Kauth made a last-minute attempt to attach the bill to maternity leave legislation on April 8, 2026.

The players

Kathleen Kauth

An Omaha state senator who sponsored the failed transgender bathroom bill.

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What they’re saying

“Forcing transgender students to use bathrooms that don't match their gender identity is cruel and discriminatory.”

— Aiden Schultz, ACLU of Nebraska Advocacy Director

The takeaway

The failed attempt to revive the transgender bathroom bill in Nebraska underscores the ongoing political battles over LGBTQ+ rights, especially in conservative states where such legislation continues to face strong pushback from civil rights advocates.