Texas Women's Privacy Act

The Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Senate Bill 8) sets statewide rules for certain multiple-occupancy private spaces inside government-owned or government-operated buildings. These are areas where people may be in a state of undress in the presence of others, including:

Restrooms
Locker rooms
Changing rooms
Shower rooms
Any similar space used by more than one person at a time

Under the law, these spaces must be designated for use by either males or females, based on the biological sex listed on a person’s original birth certificate.

Single-occupancy or family restrooms are not restricted by the law and may be used by anyone.

The City of El Paso is committed to complying with all applicable state laws, including the Texas Women’s Privacy Act.

Read the full Texas Women's Privacy Act (Senate Bill 8)

Exceptions

SB 8 recognizes that certain situations require someone to enter a facility designated for the opposite sex. The law allows entry in the following circumstances:

Custodial, maintenance, repair, or inspection work
Providing medical care or emergency assistance
Assisting someone who needs help using the facility
Law enforcement duties, including investigations or ensuring public safety
Preventing a serious and immediate threat to health, safety, or order
Children aged nine or younger, when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver

These exceptions ensure that essential services, emergency needs, accessibility, and safety are not disrupted.

File a Compliance Complaint

If you believe a City facility is not complying with the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, you can file a compliance complaint.

Before you submit a complaint, please make sure:

The incident occurred in a City of El Paso-owned or operated facility.
The situation involves possible non-compliance with the law’s restroom or facility designation requirements.

When filing a complaint, please provide:

Your name and contact info
Facility name and address
Date of the incident
A brief description of what you observed

Submit a Complaint

Note: Complaints involving facilities not operated by the City of El Paso should be directed to the appropriate government entity (e.g., County, State, School District).

FAQs

How must the City of El Paso comply?

The law requires the City of El Paso to take non-invasive and respectful steps to comply with the law, including:

Posting clear signage on restrooms.
Offering private restroom options.
Ensuring facilities are safe and accessible.

What restrooms or areas does the law affect?

It applies to multi-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, or shower rooms in government-operated buildings where people may be in various states of dress. Single-occupancy or family restrooms are not restricted by this law.

Are there exceptions?

Yes, the law allows access to a restroom designated for the opposite sex for specific purposes, like maintenance, emergencies, assisting someone who needs help, law enforcement duties, and when accompanying children aged nine or younger by a parent, guardian, or caregiver.

How are complaints handled?

A complaint will be reviewed to determine whether it meets the criteria of the Texas Women’s Privacy Act. If it qualifies, the matter will move forward for investigation and a detailed evaluation. You may be contacted if additional information is needed. If it does not meet the criteria, you will be informed.

Who does this law apply to?

The Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Senate Bill 8) applies exclusively to facilities that are owned or operated by government entities. It does not cover private businesses or places of worship. The law does not impose penalties on individuals, only governmental bodies can be held liable for non-compliance.

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