A major shift in how public facilities operate in Texas begins today as the state’s new “bathroom bill,” Senate Bill 8, officially takes effect.
The measure restricts restroom and changing-area access in most public buildings based on a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Supporters say the law protects privacy. Opponents argue it is confusing, unnecessary and could put people at risk.
The law applies to public schools, universities, state agencies, and city and county buildings. Multiple-stall restrooms and changing areas in those facilities are affected. Private businesses are not covered.
One of the biggest questions is how the law will be enforced. SB 8 directs institutions to take “every reasonable step” to ensure people use facilities that align with their sex assigned at birth, but the law does not define what “reasonable” means. Lawmakers have said it is not intended to allow ID checks or physical inspections, but advocates worry the ambiguity could lead to inconsistent or harmful enforcement.
Shayla Anderson with Fort Bend County Pride said the law creates confusion rather than addressing a real problem.
“I have never had an incident where I have seen a female assigned at birth… this is just now becoming an issue. We talk about safe spaces for individuals, but there should be safe spaces for everyone,” Anderson said.
Penalties fall on institutions, not individuals. Fines start at 25,000 dollars and can reach 125,000 dollars per day until the violation is corrected.
KPRC 2 reached out multiple times to the bill’s authors, Sen. Paul Bettencourt and Sen. Mayes Middleton. Bettencourt did not respond. Middleton sent a statement saying the bill protects women’s safety and privacy, criticizing what he called “radical gender ideology,” and said he expects strict enforcement.
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