Texas Governor Abbott signed a bill concerning restroom access, calling it a public safety measure. The law mandates that individuals in jails, prisons, and domestic violence shelters be housed according to their birth sex and will impact access to bathrooms in public buildings. The bill’s proponents claim it will keep women and girls safe, while opponents argue it is government overreach and will cause harassment. The legislation imposes substantial fines on institutions violating the policy, making it the most financially punitive bathroom restriction in the country.
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The Texas House recently passed Senate Bill 8, a “bathroom bill” mandating individuals use bathrooms in government buildings aligning with their biological sex. An amendment significantly increased the fines for violations, making it the most financially punitive bathroom bill in the nation. The bill now faces one final vote in the House before being sent back to the Senate for consideration. If passed and approved by the Governor, it could become law by September 13th.
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The Texas Legislature recently held a hearing on House Bill 52, a companion to the Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act. The bill proposes that individuals use bathrooms aligning with their birth certificate, with non-compliance leading to penalties. Despite the bill’s aim, law enforcement officials testified that the bill is unworkable and could endanger people. Supporters brought up the culture war, however, law enforcement stated the bill would not improve safety.
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John Q. Hosedrinker