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SB 1085

SS/SCS/SB 1085 - This act prohibits public school and charter school staff members from encouraging minor students in their "social transition", defined as the process of a minor student changing his or her gender presentation or expression, with the goal of being perceived and treated as a gender different from the student's biological sex. The act defines a "staff member" as a teacher, school employee, volunteer, contractor, or other individual authorized to provide services at a public school or charter school, including, but not limited to, any individual in a position of authority or responsibility, such as a counselor or health care worker. School staff members shall neither encourage a minor student to withhold information from his or her parent nor withhold certain health information from a student's parent. A staff member shall notify a minor student's parent by phone or email within 24 hours of receiving a request by the student to participate in the student's social transition. The act outlines certain actions that trigger this parental notification requirement, including a minor student's request to be referred to by a pronoun that does not correspond to the student's biological sex; a request to use a name that does not correspond to the student's legal name; a request to use a restroom designated for the opposite biological sex; or a request to participate on an athletic team designated for the opposite biological sex. No staff member shall engage in any conduct that facilitates the social transition of any minor student; deliver any presentation or lesson to any minor student regarding gender transition or social transition; or refer to a minor student by a title or pronoun that does not correspond to the student's biological sex, or by a name other than the student's legal name or a nickname or derivative thereof. A staff member or student shall not be subject to any disciplinary action for declining to address a person using a name that does not correspond to the person's legal name or a pronoun that is inconsistent with the person's biological sex. A staff member who discloses a violation of this act by another staff member shall be protected from any manner of retaliation as set forth in current law. If a school district discovers that a licensed educator has knowingly violated any provision of this act, the school district shall initiate disciplinary proceedings against that staff member, up to and including suspension or revocation of the individual's teaching license and suspension or termination of employment, as appropriate. A licensed educator at a charter school shall also be subject to disciplinary proceedings for violations of the act, up to and including suspension or revocation of the individual's teaching license and suspension or termination of employment, as provided in the act. The Attorney General may bring a civil action, including an action for injunctive relief, against a school district, public school, charter school, or staff member for any violation of this act. Any parent of a minor student may bring a civil action, including an action for injunctive relief or for damages, against the staff member or against the school district, public school, or charter school in which such minor student is enrolled for any violation of this act. If the parent prevails, the court shall award to such parent court costs and reasonable attorney's fees and any other damages or remedy which in the judgment of the court shall be appropriate. Any staff member may bring a civil action, including an action for injunctive relief or for damages, against the school district, public school, or charter school that employs such staff member for any violation of the act's prohibitions on certain disciplinary or retaliatory actions against school staff members. This act is similar to HB 2580 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Nicola

Missouri bill prohibits schools from supporting students' social gender transition without parental consent, raising questions about student privacy, educator liability, and medical guidance alignment.

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Bill Summary · SB 1085

Legislative bill overview

SB 1085 would prohibit public school staff from encouraging or supporting students' social transition—such as using different names, pronouns, or presenting as a different gender—without parental notification and consent. The bill defines "social transition" as changes in appearance, name, or pronouns based on gender identity rather than biological sex.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how schools handle gender identity issues involving minors, impacting both transgender and non-binary students seeking affirming environments at school. It also shapes the legal obligations and potential liabilities of educators, potentially creating conflicts between school policies, parental rights, and student privacy/autonomy.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental rights vs. student privacy: Supporters argue parents have fundamental authority over child-rearing decisions; critics contend mandatory parental disclosure may endanger students in unsafe home environments or force unwanted outings.
  • Staff liability and guidance: Unclear enforcement mechanisms could expose educators to legal liability, potentially chilling supportive conversations or creating confusion about what constitutes prohibited "encouragement."
  • Medical/psychological consensus: Medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics generally support affirming approaches for gender-questioning youth; opponents argue this bill contradicts evidence-based practices.
  • Definition ambiguity: Terms like "encouraging" and "social transition" lack precise boundaries, creating uncertainty about whether simply using a student's preferred pronoun constitutes a violation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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