The Texas House has approved Senate Bill 8, also called the “Women’s Privacy Act,” legislation that will require transgender people to use bathrooms in state-controlled facilities that correspond with the sex listed on their birth certificates. The measure passed the House on August 28 by a vote of 86 to 45 and now moves to Governor Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law.
The bill applies to schools, universities, prisons, domestic violence shelters, and other government buildings. Under the law, institutions that allow transgender people to use facilities aligned with their gender identity could face steep financial penalties. Fines start at $25,000 for a first violation and escalate to $125,000 for each subsequent day the institution fails to comply.
For transgender Texans, the bill will affect daily life in ways that go far beyond policy debates. Bathroom access will now be restricted by state mandate, forcing individuals into situations that compromise both privacy and safety. During legislative hearings, nearly 500 people testified in opposition to the measure, with many sharing personal stories about harassment, mental health concerns, and fears of increased violence.
The impact will not be limited to Texas residents. Visitors to the state will also be subject to the new restrictions, including those traveling through airports in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. While the penalties will be imposed on institutions rather than individuals, the practical effect is that airports, schools, and other facilities will be pressured to strictly enforce the new rules. This raises questions about how transgender travelers, especially those making layovers, will be treated in public spaces where compliance is closely monitored.
Legal experts anticipate immediate challenges once the bill is signed. Similar measures in other states have been struck down or tied up in lengthy court battles, often on the grounds that they discriminate against transgender individuals and violate federal protections. Opponents argue that the Texas law not only infringes on civil rights but also places schools, universities, and businesses in an impossible position by forcing them to police bathroom use at the risk of steep fines.
The economic impact is another concern. In 2017, Texas lawmakers abandoned a similar proposal after widespread opposition from business leaders and tourism organizations who feared financial losses from boycotts and canceled events. With Texas hosting major conventions, international travel hubs, and a thriving tourism industry, critics warn that this bill could once again put the state’s reputation and economy at risk.
Supporters of the measure argue that it is designed to protect privacy and safety, particularly in schools. However, studies and testimony from law enforcement officials in other states have consistently shown no link between inclusive bathroom policies and public safety risks. For transgender Texans, advocates say the legislation only increases stigma and discrimination while offering no evidence-based benefits.
If signed into law, Senate Bill 8 will immediately alter how transgender people navigate public life in Texas. For both residents and visitors, the legislation signals a broader climate in which identity and civil rights are being legislated in the most personal of spaces.
