Texas House passes SB 8, a bill requiring single-sex policies in public multi-occupancy spaces

The Texas House passed Senate Bill 8 on final reading after an extended floor debate that stretched into the evening, approving a measure that requires state agencies and political subdivisions to adopt and enforce policies limiting use of multi-occupancy private spaces — such as restrooms, locker rooms and changing areas — to people the facility designates by biological sex.

Supporters said the bill protects privacy and safety in public facilities. Representative Orr, who laid out the bill on the floor, said the measure “protects the privacy and safety of women and children in multi occupancy private spaces,” and described a process that starts with a written notice to a facility, a three-day cure period, and eventual Attorney General investigation and penalties if a facility fails to remedy a violation.

Opponents said the bill targets transgender Texans, risks vigilante enforcement, and could subject local governments and institutions to new litigation and costs. Representative Anchia called the measure “a perversion” and argued it would harm women, while Representative Rosenthal and others urged protections for intersex people and cautioned…