Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1198: Use of public restrooms.
Status: In committee, January 5, 2026
Makes it a Class B misdemeanor if: (1) a male knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom that is designated to be used only by females; or (2) a female knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom that is designated to be used only by males. Provides certain defenses.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure. SECTION 1. IC 35-31.5-2-130.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 130.3. "Female", for purposes of IC 35-43-2.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 35-43-2.5-1. SECTION 2. IC 35-31.5-2-191.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 191.3. "Male", for purposes of IC 35-43-2.5, has the meaning set forth in IC 35-43-2.5-2. SECTION 3. IC 35-43-2.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Chapter 2.5. Single Sex Public Restroom Trespass Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "female" means an individual or (2) has at least one (1) X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "male" means an individual who: 2026 IN 1198--LS 6601/DI (1) was born male at birth; or (2) has at least one (1) X chromosome and at least one (1) Y chromosome. Sec. 3. A: (1) male who knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom that is designated to be used only by females; or (2) female who knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom that is designated to be used only …
Sponsors
- Bruce Borders (R, HD-045) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code
- : Authored by Representative Borders
Subjects: CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Creation of New Offenses
Common questions
- What is HB1198?
- HB1198 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Use of public restrooms.
- What does HB1198 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
- What is the status of HB1198?
- In committee as of January 5, 2026. Latest action: First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code (January 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1198?
- Bruce Borders (R, HD-045).
- Where is the official record for HB1198?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1198
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.