Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an online tip line encouraging residents to report suspected violations of the state’s newly enacted bathroom law, a move that has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and raised concerns among transgender Texans.
The complaint portal, announced this week, allows members of the public to submit reports related to the enforcement of Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act. The law, which took effect on December 4, requires individuals to use public restrooms and locker rooms based on the sex listed on their original birth certificate rather than their gender identity.
Under the law, public schools, colleges, government buildings, and other state-funded institutions are required to take what the statute calls “reasonable steps” to prevent access to sex-segregated facilities by people whose sex at birth does not align with that designation. Penalties apply to institutions rather than individuals, with fines starting at $25,000 for a first violation and rising to $125,000 for repeated offenses.
Paxton’s new tip line is designed to collect complaints and evidence from the public. The online form asks users to provide contact information, describe the alleged violation, and indicate whether they are willing to testify. The form also allows users to upload supporting materials, though legal experts have noted that Texas law already prohibits photography or video recording inside restrooms, creating potential legal conflicts for those attempting to document violations.
In announcing the tool, Paxton framed the bathroom law as a matter of public safety and privacy. He said the reporting system would help ensure compliance with state law and accused political opponents of undermining protections for women and girls.
Civil rights organizations quickly condemned the tip line, warning that it could encourage harassment and vigilantism. Brian Klosterboer, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, said the system “invites Texans to police one another’s bodies and identities” and risks violating privacy while disproportionately targeting transgender people.
Since the law’s passage, implementation has varied widely across Texas. Some school districts and public agencies have installed new signage or updated internal policies, while others have taken minimal visible action, citing uncertainty about enforcement requirements.
Local governments in more progressive cities have explored alternative approaches. In Austin, city officials have approved plans to expand access to single-occupancy and gender-inclusive restrooms in public facilities. City leaders argue that inclusive design can help protect privacy for all users while reducing the risk of discrimination.
Transgender advocates say the law and its enforcement mechanisms are already affecting daily life. Some trans Texans report increased anxiety around using public restrooms, especially in rural areas or locations where staff or administrators may feel pressure to strictly enforce the statute.
Legal challenges to Senate Bill 8 are expected, though none have yet halted its enforcement. As the state begins relying on public complaints to identify potential violations, the tip line is likely to remain a flashpoint in ongoing debates over transgender rights, privacy, and the role of state power in regulating public spaces.
