Texas Law on Sex-Based Spaces in Public Buildings

Texas passed a new state law on September 22, 2025, that affects how our government buildings handle bathrooms and changing areas. The law is called Senate Bill 8, or the Texas Women's Privacy Act. It will take effect on December 4, 2025.

The law requires that any government building—including schools, colleges, courthouses, and public offices—must designate shared bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms for use by one sex only. "Multiple-occupancy private spaces" include any area where more than one person might be present while someone is changing clothes or using a restroom. Government agencies must take "every reasonable step" to prevent people from using spaces not designated for their sex.

The law includes some exceptions and accommodations. Government buildings can still create single-occupancy restrooms (private one-person bathrooms), family restrooms, or spaces for people who need help—such as young children, elderly people, or people with disabilities. However, these accommodations cannot allow someone to use a space designated for a different sex.

The law applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions, which means government departments, counties, cities, school districts, and public colleges. Private buildings and businesses are not covered by this law. Anyone who believes the law is being broken can file a lawsuit and seek damages.