West Virginia Bill Aims to Criminalize Biological Males in Women's Locker Rooms

New legislation would expand state's indecent exposure law to include undressing in women's facilities.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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West Virginia lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 1039 that would amend the state's indecent exposure law to specifically criminalize the act of a biological male undressing in a women's locker room, regardless of intent to expose or seek sexual gratification. Violations would be charged as misdemeanors for first offenses and felonies for repeat offenses.

Why it matters

Supporters argue the bill is necessary to protect women's privacy and safety, while civil rights advocates are concerned the legislation could discriminate against transgender individuals.

The details

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Tom Willis, would expand West Virginia Code §61-8-9 on indecent exposure to include 'a biological male undresses in a women's locker room' as a criminal act. The current law focuses on intentionally exposing genitals or engaging in sexual acts. If passed, the new bill would criminalize the act of a biological male undressing in women's locker rooms, even without intent to expose or seek sexual gratification.

  • Senate Bill 1039 was introduced on February 23, 2026.

The players

Senator Tom Willis

The sponsor of Senate Bill 1039 in the West Virginia legislature.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The bill moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate around balancing concerns for women's privacy and safety with protections for transgender individuals. The outcome could set a precedent for how states approach these complex issues.