BATHROOM BILL ADDRESSED DURING DAY TWO OF TEXAS LEGISLATURE

  

The Texas Privacy Act, known commonly as the “Bathroom Bill”, garnered attention on the second day of the Texas Legislature- a day which is generally reserved for non-controversial, housekeeping issues.

Representative Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) proposed an amendment that would require people in the Capitol to use restrooms based on their biological sex. The House and its 150 members debated, but did not approve, the proposed rules.

House Administration Committee Chairman Charlie Geren says the House couldn’t approve the change, since Capitol bathrooms are managed by the state Preservation Board, not by lawmakers.

Meanwhile leaders of national and state tourism organizations and bureaus gathered outside the Capitol to speak in opposition to Senate Bill 6, saying the bill could cost the state significant money.

"Any attempt to pass legislation which is designed to discriminate against our fellow citizens under the guise of privacy, or anything else, will result in a multi-billion dollar disaster for our economy" said Phillip Jones, CEO of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Texas Association of Business released a study earlier which estimated up to 185,000 jobs would be lost if a bathroom bill is passed.

Senator Lois W.  Kolkhorst, who authored the bill, says she has been studying the issue for months and hopes to provide a practical solution that is in line with public expectations for privacy in public dressing rooms and restrooms. Kolkhorst says Senate Bill 6 may have her name on it, but "the responsibility falls on everyone to protect citizens and ensure that their personal and private rights are secured."