KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Indiana

HB1198 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Children Crime
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Bruce Borders
Last action
2026-01-05
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on the specific defenses available under this legislation.

Law About Using Public Restrooms

This law makes it illegal for someone to enter a public bathroom meant for the opposite gender and classifies this as a Class B misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it a Class B misdemeanor if a male knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom designated only for females.
  • Makes it a Class B misdemeanor if a female knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom designated only for males.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who use public restrooms in Indiana.

Terms To Know

Class B misdemeanor
A type of crime that is less serious than a felony but more serious than a minor offense, and can result in jail time or fines.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what defenses are allowed.
  • It's unclear how this law will be enforced.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-05 House

    Authored by Representative Borders

  2. 2026-01-05 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
Use of public restrooms.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Use of public restrooms.

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.