PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota House debated HB1259.  The bill prohibit unauthorized access to certain multi-occupancy rooms and to provide a penalty therefor.

Prime sponsor of the bill is Representative Brandei Schaefbauer of Aberdeen.

Schaefbauer told the floor that boys don’t belong in girls’ restrooms and was motivated by an alleged incident that took place in Huron involving a boy using the girls room in high school at the same time girls were in there.

Representative Marty Overweg of New Holland sent a message to the transgender community.

All Democrats were opposed to the bill and felt it was an attack on the transgender community. Representative Kadyn Wittman of Sioux Falls:

Representative Logan Manhart of Aberdeen talked about when people would know which restroom to use at a young age.

A few Republicans were opposed to the bill including Represenative Mike Stevens of Yankton who felt this should be handled by the school boards and not the legislature.

The bill passed on a 49-21 vote and now moves on to the South Dakota Senate.