SB 7 (Special Session) - Limits the Designation and Use of Certain Public Spaces and Facilities According to Sex - Texas Key Vote

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Title: Limits the Designation and Use of Certain Public Spaces and Facilities According to Sex

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits the designation and use of certain spaces and facilities according to sex in Texas.

Highlights:

  • Defines “multiple-occupancy private space” as a facility designed for simultaneous use by more than one individual who may be in a state of undress, including a restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room (Sec. 2).

  • Requires political subdivisions or state agencies to designate all multiple-occupancy private spaces in their buildings for use only by individuals of one sex (Sec. 2).

  • Prohibits political subdivisions or state agencies from allowing an individual to use a multiple-occupancy private space designated for individuals of the opposite sex (Sec. 2).

  • Authorizes an individual to enter a multiple-occupancy private space designated for the opposite sex for the following purposes (Sec. 2):

    • For custodial, maintenance, or inspection purposes;

    • To render medical or other emergency assistance;

    • To accompany and provide assistance to an individual who needs help using the facility;

    • For a law enforcement purpose; or

    • To render assistance necessary in preventing a serious threat to safety.

  • Specifies that a child nine years of age or younger who is accompanied by a caregiver may enter a multiple-occupancy private space designated for individuals of the opposite sex (Sec. 2).

  • Requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to ensure inmates are housed according to their sex (Sec. 2).

  • Requires family violence shelters designed specifically to provide services to female victims of family violence to provide services exclusively to individuals of the female sex and individuals 17 years of age or younger (Sec. 2).

  • Establishes the following penalties for a political subdivision or state agency that is found in violation of this chapter (Sec. 2):

    • $5,000 for the first violation; and

    • $25,000 for the second or subsequent violation.

  • Authorizes a resident of the state to file a complaint with the attorney general against a political subdivision or state agency for a violation of this chapter after providing written notice to the entity (Sec. 2).

  • Requires the attorney general to investigate a complaint filed under this section, and allow the entity 15 days to cure the violation (Sec. 2).

  • Authorizes an individual affected by a violation of this chapter to bring a civil action against the entity, and specifies that they are entitled to obtain declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and court costs (Sec. 2).

  • Specifies that the state has sovereign immunity, a political subdivision has governmental immunity, and an agent of the state or a political subdivision has official immunity in an action that challenges the validity of this chapter (Sec. 2).

  • Specifies that this Act takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends (Sec. 6).

NOTE: THIS BILL WAS VOTED ON DURING A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE

Title: Limits the Designation and Use of Certain Public Spaces and Facilities According to Sex

NOTE: THIS BILL WAS VOTED ON DURING A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE

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