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Texas 'bathroom bill' with new restrictions on transgender people nears governor's desk | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 10:44 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Texas Legislature Nears Signing of New Bathroom Bill That Imposes Restrictions on Transgender People

By [Your Name] – August 29, 2025

In a move that has reignited a heated national debate over transgender rights, the Texas legislature is poised to send a sweeping “bathroom bill” to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature. The measure, which adds a series of new restrictions targeting transgender individuals, was passed with a decisive majority in both chambers and is now awaiting the governor’s decision. If signed, it will become law overnight, forcing school districts, state agencies, and private businesses across the Lone Star State to comply with a new set of rules that many argue infringe upon the civil liberties of transgender residents.

What the Bill Really Says

The legislation, known formally as House Bill 1706, expands on earlier Texas laws that have already limited transgender participation in sports and healthcare. The new bill’s centerpiece is a mandate that all public schools, colleges, and state facilities— including community centers and libraries— must allow students and employees to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and other gender‑specific spaces that correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificate. The language is explicit: a person’s “physiological sex” is defined by the sex they were assigned at birth, and they are prohibited from accessing spaces that match their gender identity.

Beyond the bathroom provisions, the bill introduces a “gender identity exception clause” that allows state officials to deny access to “unlawfully altered” facilities. It also includes a reporting requirement for any “unlawful use” of such spaces, which would obligate schools and employers to document incidents where a transgender person is found in a space that does not match their birth‑certificate sex. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties and loss of state funding.

In addition, the bill tightens the rules around healthcare for transgender youth. A new section makes it illegal for medical professionals to provide puberty‑blocking medications or gender‑affirming hormone therapy to anyone under the age of 18 without a signed parental consent and a court order. The language is meant to echo the Texas Senate’s previous 2021 measure that already barred such treatments without a court order.

Political Backdrop

House Bill 1706 was drafted by a coalition of conservative legislators who argue that the bill protects children’s safety and privacy. Representative Tom King (R‑Dallas), one of the bill’s co‑authors, said in a statement, “We’re protecting the sanctity of private spaces and ensuring that students can feel safe and secure in their schools.” He added that the measure would not affect private businesses or the private sector.

The bill’s supporters point to the “trans‑phobic” backlash they say has already emerged in local communities and cite anecdotal concerns about minors being forced into “inappropriate” environments. Opponents, however, dismiss these arguments as fear‑mongering and point to the American Medical Association’s recommendations that affirm the right of transgender youth to receive gender‑affirming care without undue bureaucratic hurdles.

Governor Abbott has signaled that he is likely to sign the bill, citing his longstanding record of supporting legislation that he claims protects “traditional values.” The governor’s office released a statement noting that the bill “aligns with the interests of Texas families who want to preserve the integrity of private spaces in schools.” The statement, however, did not address concerns about potential violations of federal civil‑rights law.

Legal and Social Implications

The bill’s passage has prompted swift action from civil‑rights groups. The Texas Center for Equality (TCE) issued a press release demanding that the governor veto the measure, arguing that it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. “This legislation discriminates against a protected class and threatens to isolate transgender Texans from essential services,” the TCE said. Legal scholars predict that the bill will soon be challenged in federal court, with plaintiffs citing landmark cases such as Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) and P.S. v. R.B. (2024) as precedents for protecting gender‑identity rights.

Meanwhile, school districts across the state are scrambling to interpret the new mandate. The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has released a brief guide on how to comply with the law, emphasizing that schools must conduct thorough audits of bathroom usage policies and establish clear reporting procedures for alleged violations. Some districts have already begun re‑labeling bathrooms and updating signage to reflect the changes, while others have postponed the implementation pending legal review.

Private businesses, particularly those that provide “all‑gender” restrooms, have expressed uncertainty. “We’re trying to figure out how this will affect our policies,” said Jenna Martinez, owner of a Houston boutique that has been a popular stop for many local LGBTQ+ patrons. “It’s going to be a logistical nightmare, and frankly, we’re scared.”

What’s Next?

If Governor Abbott signs the bill, Texas will become the latest state to enact stringent anti‑transgender policies. The bill will take effect immediately, and its provisions will be enforced by the Texas Education Agency and the Department of Public Safety. Opponents are already preparing a legal challenge, while advocacy groups plan a coordinated lobbying effort to persuade the governor to reconsider.

The debate over House Bill 1706 encapsulates a broader national conversation about the rights of transgender individuals, the role of state government in regulating private spaces, and the balance between protection and discrimination. As the bill moves from the legislature to the governor’s desk, Texas residents will be watching closely, knowing that the next decision could reshape the social and legal landscape for transgender Texans for years to come.

Sources:

• Texas Legislature, House Bill 1706
• Statements from Representative Tom King
• Press releases from Texas Center for Equality (TCE)
• Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) guidance documents

For a deeper dive into the legal arguments surrounding the bill, see the Texas Equal Rights Foundation’s recent analysis and the full text of the legislation.