Texas Becomes 9th State To Pass ‘Total’ Trans Bathroom Ban

Another bathroom bill passes, this time with support from 2 Democrats.

Moments ago, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 8. This bill, which passed the Senate last week, is the 9th passed nationwide that segregates bathrooms by ‘biological sex’ in all state & local government-owned spaces. Despite many House Democrats giving impassioned speeches against this bill, 2 Democrats actually joined Republicans in voting for it: Sergio Muñoz Jr. of Mission and Richard Raymond of Laredo.

Because it was amended by the House—increasing the penalties government institutions could be subjected to from $5,000 for the first violation and $25,000 for subsequent violations to $25,000 and $125,000, respectively—the Senate will have to agree before it moves to Greg Abbott’s desk. But given that this bill already passed in the Senate along party lines (19 to 11) it’s hard to imagine that the outcome of that vote will be any different.

Like all bathroom bans passed in recent years (except Florida and Utah, although these laws haven’t ever been enforced), Senate Bill 8 doesn’t contain any language authorising punishments for trans people found violating it. However, it will no doubt invite the further harassment of transgender Texans. Here’s a map of current bathroom restrictions in each state:

For sources, tables, and maps for other issues, head to Transitics’ CATPALM page.

Along with banning trans people from bathrooms that align with their gender identities, this bill also includes a provision banning correctional institutions from placing transgender inmates according to their gender identity. In doing so, Texas joins Alaska in being one of only two states to explicitly ignore Federal PREA standards.

Senate Bill 8 is slated to take effect December 13th, 91 days after the 2nd special session ends.