
SB1001, sponsored by John Kavanagh (R-3), would ban teachers from using a student’s chosen pronouns without written parental permission. Trans youth are twice as likely to consider suicide as their peers; affirming care, which may include using a person’s chosen pronouns, lowers suicide risk. The bill continues the recent Republican theme of pushing manufactured, divisive culture-war issues for political profit. Education advocates say the bill further politicizes teachers, which will deepen Arizona’s ongoing teacher retention crisis. Passed Senate Education Committee on party lines. Gov. Hobbs has promised to veto this bill if it reaches her desk. The Legislature’s nonpartisan rules attorneys have told them the bill is unconstitutional. Scheduled for House Appropriations Committee, Monday. OPPOSE.