4 things to know about Texas' new 'bathroom bill'
1. Private establishments excluded from SB 8
While Texas’ so-called “bathroom bill” applies across multiple-occupancy private areas in public buildings — such as restrooms with multiple stalls or showers — SB 8 only applies to government-owned and operated facilities, including county and city buildings, government agency buildings, public schools, open-enrollment charter schools and public universities.
Under SB 8, there are several exemptions allowing certain people to use restrooms that do not correspond to their sex, including those rendering emergency medical assistance, custodial staff and other workers, law enforcement officials, and children under 9 years old who are accompanied by an adult.
Churches, restaurants, gyms and other private facilities are not affected by SB 8.
