Senate concurs with House amendments to SB 8, increasing penalties for violations

The Texas Senate concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 8, approving changes that increase penalties for violations and confirming exceptions for medical settings, the Senate clerk recorded. Senator Milton moved that the Senate concur in the House amendments; the roll call showed the motion adopted with 18 yeas and 8 nays.

Senator Milton told members the amendments strengthened penalties "from $5,000 to $25,000" for a first violation and "from $25,000 to a $125,000" for ongoing violations. He said the bill includes due process and cure periods before penalties apply.

Why it matters: The amendments raised civil penalties tied to enforcement of the underlying statute described on the floor as prohibiting "a biological male into a women's private space" in certain circumstances; senators questioned how medical, clinic, research and training settings would be treated.

Key clarifications and floor Q&A

- Medical and clinical exceptions: During floor questions, the author explained a medical‑care exception covers areas providing medical care and that the exception does not require the caregiver to be a licensed doctor or nurse; "it could even be a family member," the author said. The author said hospitals' open areas separated by curtains or partial walls are not private spaces covered by the bill.

- Due process and cure periods: The sponsor said the bill provides a notice period and cure opportunities—three days' notice to cure an initial issue and 15 additional days after a complaint is filed to cure—before penalties apply.

Formal action

- Motion: Senator Milton moved that the Senate concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 8.
- Vote: The secretary reported the motion adopted with 18 yeses and 8 noes.

Ending: The Senate concurred with House amendments and the change in penalty structure was approved on the Senate floor; the final enrolled text and implementation timetable were not included in the provided excerpts.