After Long Hours of Debate, the ‘Bathroom Bill’ Heads to the Senate Floor

This week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune.

By Rhonda FanningMarch 10, 2017 5:17 pm, ,

Time for the week that was in Texas politics with Emily Ramshaw, Texas Tribune editor-in-chief.

After a full day and evening of hearings and debate, a Sanate committee passed SB 6, also called the ‘bathroom bill’, sending it to the full Senate. The bill – which covers schools and public facilities – would require that transgender people use the bathroom associated with the gender on their birth certificate. It faces a rocky road in the House where it’s not particularly popular. Governor Greg Abbott has not taken a position on the bill, though he has criticized the NFL’s objection to the proposal.

Another Senate committee held a hearing on the ‘fetal remains bill.’ The proposal would require service providers to bury or cremate remains following an abortion procedure.

Next week at the Capitol, another round of heated hearings is likely when legislators take up a proposal to create statewide rules for ride hailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft. Austin passed rules last year that required ride sharing drivers to be finger-printed. Some legislators want to prevent cities from establishing their own ride hailing rules.