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Timeline › 2025 › May › 1

May 1, 2025

7 entries on this date.

Trump signed EO 14290 directing CPB to cease all federal funding to NPR and PBS

President Trump signed Executive Order 14290 on May 1, 2025, directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to stop all direct and indirect federal funding to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, citing what the order called their "biased and partisan news coverage." The order also required every federal agency to terminate existing contracts and grants with NPR and PBS, and ordered CPB to revise its 2025 grant criteria by June 30, 2025 to bar grantees from channeling funds to either organization. CPB, NPR, and PBS each stated the order was unlawful; CPB's board declined to comply.

Indiana Gov. Braun signed HB1412, shielding parents' non-affirmation of transgender children from child-neglect review

On May 1, 2025, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1412 into law as Public Law 168, revising the state's child-abuse-and-neglect reporting statutes. The law specifies that a child is not a "child in need of services" solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian refers to and raises the child consistent with the child's biological sex. The provision shields a parent's non-affirmation of a transgender child's gender identity from being treated as neglect by the Indiana Department of Child Services.

Montana Gov. Gianforte signed HB471, requiring parental opt-in before LGBTQ-related school instruction

On May 1, 2025, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB471, which creates an "identity instruction" category covering lessons on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation and bars students from participating without prior written parental consent, revocable at any time. The law requires schools to give 5-14 school days' advance notice before such instruction, publish annual notice of covered courses, and make curriculum materials available for public inspection, while barring use of instructional materials from abortion service providers. It took effect July 1, 2025 and is being challenged in state court by the Montana School Counselors Association and the ACLU of Montana.

Montana Gov. Gianforte signed HB400 'Free to Speak Act' shielding refusal to use transgender students' pronouns from discipline

On May 1, 2025, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 400, the "Free to Speak Act," which bars public schools and state agencies from disciplining students, teachers, or state employees who refuse to use a person's preferred name, pronouns, or gender identity that does not match their sex assigned at birth. Sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, the law passed the Senate 28-20, with three Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition, and creates a private right of action for people punished for refusing to use another person's preferred name or pronouns. Opponents, including tribal representatives, school administrators, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, said the measure legitimizes harassment of transgender students.

Montana Gov. Gianforte signed HB655, letting foster and adoption agencies opt out of LGBTQ+-inclusive training on religious grounds

On May 1, 2025, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB655 into law, prohibiting state agencies and foster or adoptive-placement entities from taking discriminatory action against foster and adoptive parents who decline, on religious grounds, to affirm LGBTQ+-inclusive training, policies, or a child's gender identity or sexual orientation. The bill passed the Montana House 59-40 and Senate 29-19 before Gianforte signed it into law.

Montana Gov. Gianforte signed HB638, banning diversity statements referencing sexual orientation and gender identity in state hiring

On May 1, 2025, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB638, "Revise human rights laws," which bars state and local government agencies from requiring, requesting, or soliciting a "diversity statement" from job applicants or employees and prohibits granting preferential consideration based on one. The law defines a diversity statement as any submission promoting differential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or gender identity, and permits agencies to accept such statements only to the minimum extent federal law requires. Sponsored by Rep. Randyn Gregg, the bill leaves existing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment compliance policies in place.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong signed HB1144 restricting transgender students' bathroom access and requiring schools to out them to parents

On May 1, 2025, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1144, barring K-12 public schools from maintaining all-gender multi-stall restrooms or shower rooms and requiring such facilities be designated for one sex only. The law also requires school staff to notify a student's parents if they learn the student is transgender, with violations enforceable by the state Attorney General through fines up to $2,500.