Texas Senate Bill SB29

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the required inclusion of a person's sex on a birth certificate and prohibited change of sex on the birth certificate of certain minors.

Impact

SB29 significantly impacts existing laws by prohibiting any changes to the recorded biological sex on a birth certificate for minors, except under specific circumstances. This means that once a birth certificate has been issued with a sex designation, it cannot be amended to reflect a different sex designation, regardless of subsequent changes in the child's circumstances. The legislation contains provisions that allow for the issuance of corrected certificates only in cases of clerical errors or when the sex cannot initially be determined due to atypical or ambiguous conditions at birth.

Summary

Senate Bill 29 (SB29) addresses the inclusion of a person's biological sex on birth certificates in the state of Texas. The legislation mandates that the biological sex of a child must be recorded as either male or female based on defined criteria such as sex organs, chromosomes, or endocrine profile at the time of birth. This requirement aims to create a standardized practice for the recording of sex on birth certificates, ensuring that this information is consistently reported to local registrars and reflected accurately on official documents.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for gender identity and the rights of minors. Opponents of SB29 argue that it infringes upon the rights of transgender and non-binary youth, as it restricts their ability to amend their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that the bill upholds the significance of biological sex in official records and prevents potential misuse of birth certificates. These differing perspectives highlight broader societal conflicts surrounding issues of gender identity and parental rights in the context of medical decision-making for children.