Governor Spencer Cox signed several bills into law on Tuesday, including two of the most controversial in the 2024 Utah State Legislature.
The governor signed House Bill 257, which restricts transgender people from using a restroom consistent with their gender identity, and House Bill 261, which replaces Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices on college campuses with new “student success centers” that serve a broader audience than marginalized communities.
HB257 requires transgender people to use a public restroom or locker room consistent with their sex designated at birth, unless they’ve fully transitioned. But as it pertains to public restrooms (it does not impact private businesses), it doesn’t carry much enforcement power if someone continues to use a restroom consistent with their gender identity. However, the bill’s sponsors have warned there is a risk they could be charged with lewdness, voyeurism or trespassing.
“We want public facilities that are safe and accommodating for everyone and this bill increases privacy protections for all,” Cox said in a statement announcing he signed it into law. The bill goes into effect on his signature.