AUSTIN, Texas — Several Texas laws are going into effect today, affecting everything from the state’s education system to abortion drug access. One of those laws will bring major changes to which bathrooms transgender Texans can use in certain public buildings.
Senate Bill 8 will restrict transgender people from using bathrooms and changing rooms that do not align with their biological sex in public buildings, like government offices and public schools. The law also limits which family violence shelters, prisons and jails can house transgender people. Institutions that own these facilities can face a $25,000 fine for their first violation and a $125,000 fine for each subsequent one.
Supporters say this bill will protect women’s privacy and safety. But critics say the laws are too vague and will put more transgender people in danger.
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