House Bill 5, dubbed the "Safer Kentucky Act," passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 7-3 vote Thursday.
The House and Senate – both controlled by Republican supermajorities – easily set aside the Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's veto in votes punctuated by protesters at the statehouse.
The measure won Senate passage on a 26-6 vote after a lengthy debate that led to some eyebrow-raising exchanges in the buttoned-down chamber.
Currently the Kentucky Department of Education recommends that teachers use a student's preferred pronoun, even if it's contrary to their biological sex.
Opponents of the bill argue it puts children in the middle of a political fight.
She said Henry, who was transgender, struggled with mental illness because of difficulty finding acceptance.
Dr. Karen Berg won the special election in June, after Republican Ernie Harris retired earlier this year after 25 years in office.