Relating to the prosecution of entry of a person into a public restroom designated for the opposite sex as disorderly conduct.
Impact
If enacted, HB1747 would specifically amend Section 42.01 of the Texas Penal Code. It seeks to define what constitutes an offense under disorderly conduct with respect to restroom access, explicitly detailing circumstances and providing defenses for certain individuals, such as parents accompanying children. This legislative measure intends to formalize expectations around restroom usage in the context of gender identity and may likely influence local law enforcement practices pertaining to restroom access.
Summary
House Bill 1747 proposes amendments to the Texas Penal Code regarding the prosecution of individuals entering public restrooms designated for the opposite sex. This bill classifies such action as disorderly conduct, thus allowing law enforcement to intervene based on the defined criteria. The proposal relies on the sex designation as listed on a person’s driver’s license or state-issued identification, placing an official legal framework around restroom usage considerations in public spaces.
Contention
The discussion surrounding HB1747 highlights notable societal divisions. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting public decency and ensuring privacy in facilities designed for specific genders. Opponents, on the other hand, criticize the bill for potentially infringing on the rights of transgender individuals and non-binary persons, raising concerns about discrimination and fear of prosecution based on gender identity. The debate reflects ongoing tensions in legislating personal identities and the implications of such laws on community safety and rights.
Relating to a prohibition on following an individual and tracking or monitoring the individual's personal property or motor vehicle and to the criminal prosecution of that conduct.
Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of certain devices intended to modify handguns.
Relating to a prohibition on prosecuting or referring to juvenile court certain persons for certain conduct constituting the offense of prostitution, to the provision of services to those persons, and to the prosecution of related criminal offenses.
Relating to prohibiting a person or entity from surveilling, reporting, or tracking the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and accessories through the use of certain merchant category codes; imposing a civil penalty.
Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of indecency with a child and sexual assault and to a child safety zone applicable to a person on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision for certain sexual offenses.