RE: HB 121: Privacy in Certain Restrooms, Changing Rooms, and Sleeping Quarters

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 27, 2025


On March 27, 2025 Governor Gianforte signed HB 121, “An Act Providing for Privacy in Certain Restrooms, Changing Rooms, and Sleeping Quarters” into law. HB 121 was effective upon passage and approval. HB 121 is a law of general applicability and applies to the Montana University System “MUS”.

Under HB 121:

  • The MUS must designate each multi-occupancy restroom, changing room, or sleeping quarters for the exclusive use of females or males.
  • A restroom, changing room, or sleeping quarter that is designated for females or males may be used only by members of that sex.
  • The MUS must take all reasonable steps to provide individuals with privacy from members of the opposite sex in designated restrooms, changing room, and sleeping quarters.

The definitions of male, female, sex multi-occupancy restroom, changing room, and sleeping quarters are provided for in the bill.

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education directs the campuses to take the necessary steps to comply with HB 121. Compliance will require an assessment of all campus multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters to ensure appropriate signage, access and privacy for all students.

signature
Clayton T. Christian
Commissioner of Higher Education

Commissioner’s directives are official interpretations and guidance issued by the Commissioner of Higher
Education; they remain in effect as system directives until withdrawn or revised by the Commissioner or
superseded by action of the Board of Regents.

  Print Version