06/08/2017

Texas Governor Wants Action on Stalled Bathroom Bill

Some have argued that the bill is discriminatory

On June 6, 2017, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced he is calling state lawmakers back for a special session of the legislature to begin July 18, in part to reconsider controversial transgender bathroom restrictions opposed by anti-discrimination groups and business interests in the state.

Abbott’s special session announcement and the inclusion of bathroom restrictions on the agenda comes after a divisive, months-long debate on the issue. Opponents of bathroom restrictions, including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and numerous other corporate and hospitality interest groups, have argued that the proposals are discriminatory and would have dire economic consequences for the state.

Though there have been several attempts at compromise on the state’s bathroom bill, the legislation referenced by Abbott this week is House Bill 2899, which would prevent municipalities from enforcing existing anti-discrimination ordinances designed to protect the LGBTQ community. In his press conference this week, Abbott endorsed HB 2899 but said he would settle for legislation more narrowly focused on public school restrooms.

ASAE is firmly opposed to HB 2899 as it blocks existing anti-discrimination ordinances in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and other cities in Texas. ASAE will continue to stress during the special session that no legislation of this type is needed in Texas. It should be noted that the agenda for the special session is crowded with other issues unrelated to the proposed bathroom restrictions, including unpassed legislation to keep several state agencies operating and restrictions on local property tax increases.

This article was provided to OSAE by The Power of A and ASAE's Inroads.