South Dakota Governor Rejects Transgender Bathroom Bill

South Dakota's governor has vetoed the state's transgender bathroom bill.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who initially reacted positively to the proposal, rejected the bill saying it "does not address any pressing issue."

The legislation would have required students who identify as transgender to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender at birth.

Opponents said the legislation was an attack on vulnerable transgender students that would further marginalize them at school. Federal officials have backed that sentiment, saying that barring students from restrooms that match their gender identitiy is prohibited under Title IX.

Under the plan, schools would have been required to provide a "reasonable accommodation" for transgender students, such as a single-occupancy bathroom or the "controlled use" of a staff-designated restroom, locker room or shower room.

Dauggard says signing the bill would create costly liability issues for schools and the state.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Fred Deutsch, said he would ask lawmakers not to override the veto because focusing on the issue would detract from the Legislature's other accomplishments this year.

The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the bill last month, with supporters saying it would protect student privacy.

North Carolina and Texas are the only other states to approve a transgender bathroom bill.