Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) joined his colleagues, Sen. Mark Walczyk (Senate District 49), Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) and Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown), to introduce legislation that would provide New York state school districts with a temporary exemption from certain requirements related to multi-occupancy bathrooms and locker rooms.

“School districts are having difficulty navigating through conflicting requirements relating to bathroom and locker-room accessibility. Federal and state orders have significantly differing positions on the legalities related to accommodations provided to transgender students. Local schools are in a position where they could face consequences from either government entity,” the legislators said. “Understandably, school administrators are looking for answers, and this measure is a step to provide them with necessary support.” 

The bill introduced today allows schools to delay compliance with state mandates until adequate modifications have been made to school facilities.

The legislation reads, in part: “All educational institutions in the State of New York shall be exempt from the requirement to permit the use of multi-occupancy bathrooms and locker rooms until such facilities are converted, renovated, or newly constructed to ensure a private, inclusive, and comfortable environment for all students.”

State Building Aid would be available to each school district to cover the costs associated with making these necessary accommodations. To assist in this transition, the bill authorizes the use of existing State Building Aid to help cover the costs of updating or constructing facilities that meet these new standards. This means schools will not bear the financial burden alone as they work to provide inclusive accommodations.

The bill outlines a clear path forward for districts and alleviates the threat of potential penalties being levied against school administrators.