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Senate committee hears hours of public testimony on Texas Women’s Privacy Act; supporters, opponents clash
Summary
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard extensive public testimony on Senate Bill 8, the “Texas Women’s Privacy Act,” with speakers sharply divided over bathroom and locker-room access for transgender and gender‑nonconforming people. The committee reported the bill favorably to the full Senate after the hearing.
The Senate Committee on State Affairs on Friday heard hours of public testimony on Senate Bill 8, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with dozens of speakers urging both rejection and enactment of the bill.
Supporters said the measure clarifies who may use women’s restrooms, locker rooms, shelters and some institutional settings. Opponents, including transgender Texans and civil‑rights groups, said the bill would encourage harassment, risk the safety of transgender and cisgender people, and expose public institutions to lawsuits.
The bill’s author was identified during the hearing as Senator John Middleton (author), and the committee chair, Senator Hughes, opened the public comment period. After testimony, the committee voted to report SB 8 favorably to the full Senate.
Why it matters: Proponents say the bill protects privacy in settings where people are vulnerable; opponents say the measure would produce real harms—criminal and…
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