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TX SB8
TX SB8Relating to the designation and use of certain spaces and facilities according to sex; authorizing a civil penalty and a private civil right of action.
summary
Introduced
08/15/2025
08/15/2025
In Committee
08/25/2025
08/25/2025
Crossed Over
08/19/2025
08/19/2025
Passed
09/22/2025
09/22/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
09/22/2025
09/22/2025
Introduced Session
89th Legislature 2nd Special Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT relating to the designation and use of certain spaces and facilities according to sex; authorizing a civil penalty and a private civil right of action.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Texas Women's Privacy Act, establishes strict regulations for the designation and use of multiple-occupancy private spaces (like restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms) in state and local government facilities, mandating that these spaces be designated exclusively for use by individuals based on their biological sex at birth. The bill defines "sex" as an individual's biological sex and provides detailed definitions of "male" and "female" based on reproductive system capabilities. It requires political subdivisions and state agencies to take reasonable steps to prevent individuals from using multiple-occupancy spaces designated for a sex different from their own, with limited exceptions for specific purposes such as maintenance, emergency assistance, or accompanying children. The legislation introduces significant enforcement mechanisms, including substantial civil penalties of $25,000 for a first violation and $125,000 for subsequent violations, and allows residents to file complaints with the Attorney General. Additionally, the bill creates a private civil cause of action for individuals affected by violations, enables the Attorney General to seek mandamus relief, and includes provisions that make it difficult to challenge the law's constitutionality by limiting judicial jurisdiction over such challenges. The bill also includes a fee-shifting provision that could financially penalize those seeking to prevent the law's enforcement, and it applies only to causes of action accruing on or after its effective date.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (80)
Paul Bettencourt (R)*,
Brian Birdwell (R)*,
Greg Bonnen (R)*,
Donna Campbell (R)*,
Brandon Creighton (R)*,
Pete Flores (R)*,
Brent Hagenbuch (R)*,
Bob Hall (R)*,
Cody Harris (R)*,
Adam Hinojosa (R)*,
Joan Huffman (R)*,
Bryan Hughes (R)*,
Phil King (R)*,
Lois Kolkhorst (R)*,
Jeff Leach (R)*,
Will Metcalf (R)*,
Mayes Middleton (R)*,
Angelia Orr (R)*,
Angela Paxton (R)*,
Kevin Sparks (R)*,
Daniel Alders (R),
Trent Ashby (R),
Jeffrey Barry (R),
Cecil Bell (R),
Keith Bell (R),
Brad Buckley (R),
Ben Bumgarner (R),
Angie Button (R),
Briscoe Cain (R),
Giovanni Capriglione (R),
David Cook (R),
Tom Craddick (R),
Charles Cunningham (R),
Pat Curry (R),
Mano DeAyala (R),
Mark Dorazio (R),
Paul Dyson (R),
Stan Gerdes (R),
Ryan Guillen (R),
Sam Harless (R),
Caroline Harris Davila (R),
Richard Hayes (R),
Cole Hefner (R),
Hillary Hickland (R),
Janis Holt (R),
Andy Hopper (R),
Lacey Hull (R),
Todd Hunter (R),
Carrie Isaac (R),
Helen Kerwin (R),
Stan Kitzman (R),
Marc LaHood (R),
Brooks Landgraf (R),
Terri Leo-Wilson (R),
Mitch Little (R),
Janie Lopez (R),
David Lowe (R),
Shelley Luther (R),
Don McLaughlin (R),
John McQueeney (R),
Morgan Meyer (R),
Matt Morgan (R),
Tan Parker (R),
Jared Patterson (R),
Dennis Paul (R),
Dade Phelan (R),
Katrina Pierson (R),
Keresa Richardson (R),
Alan Schoolcraft (R),
Matt Shaheen (R),
Joanne Shofner (R),
Shelby Slawson (R),
David Spiller (R),
Carl Tepper (R),
Tony Tinderholt (R),
Ellen Troxclair (R),
Denise Villalobos (R),
Wesley Virdell (R),
Trey Wharton (R),
Terry Wilson (R),
Last Action
Effective on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 4, 2025 (on 09/22/2025)
Official Document
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