INDIANAPOLIS—Today the Senate Education and Career Development Committee passed HB 1041 on a party-line vote. HB 1041 would prohibit transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams. Senator J.D Ford (D-Indianapolis), Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Education and Career Development Committee made the following statement:

“I’m disappointed that the Senate Education Committee passed HB 1041 this afternoon. I offered reasonable amendments to send this bill to a summer study committee and to simply allow the IHSAA to continue to make case-by-case decisions. Instead of addressing the teacher shortage, instead of addressing student mental health, we’re getting sidetracked with bills like this. Even filing this bill sends a message to trans kids and their families that they’re not welcomed in our state. I encourage folks to continue to reach out to their legislators as this bill moves to the full Senate next week.”