Council authorizes study of facility changes to respond to SB 8; sponsors say it does not appropriate funds

Councilmember Mike Siegel, principal sponsor of item 85, outlined the purpose of a resolution directing the city manager to prepare a capital improvement plan to evaluate how city facilities could be made gender‑inclusive while complying with the Texas Women’s Privacy Act (SB 8), which took effect Dec. 4, 2025. "We are not appropriating dollars today," Siegel said, adding the goal is to "build on the work of city staff" and assess changes for public‑facing facilities such as City Hall.

Public comment at the meeting showed sharply divided views. Mary Elizabeth Castle of Texas Values praised the council for aligning with the Texas Women’s Privacy Act and said the resolution protects women's privacy. By contrast, Martie Beyer (Texas Freedom Network) and Landon Ritchie (Transgender Education Network of Texas) urged the council to protect transgender and gender‑expansive residents, saying SB 8 threatens safety and access and praising the city's existing single‑use restrooms.

Council members expressed unanimous interest in protecting residents while noting legal uncertainty. Siegel called SB 8 "an unjust law" and said he expects court challenges but maintained the city must plan for the law's current effect. The resolution authorizes staff to inventory facilities and propose phased, gender‑inclusive improvements; no capital appropriation or timeline for expenditures was approved at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will be asked to return with an inventory and plan options for council consideration before any budget appropriation.