Bathroom bill clears the South Dakota House

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota House debated and approved a bill that would limit bathroom and other facilities that can be used by trans gender students.

Republican Representative Fred Deutsch of Florence, prime sponsor of the bill, said it was about private, personal spaces for students.

Democratic Representative Jennifer Keintz of Eden said the bill sends a bad message to transgender students.

The bill was triggered by a policy on private spaces passed by the Vermillion School Board. Republican Representative Sydney Davis of Burbank has kids in the Vermillion district, and said legislators should defend local control.

The bill passed on a vote of 38-29 and will be sent to a Senate committee.