LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 85TH LEGISLATURE 1st CALLED SESSION - 2017
 
July 20, 2017

TO:
Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB3 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the regulation of certain facilities and activities of political subdivisions, including public school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Local Government Code to require multi-occupancy restrooms, showers, and changing facilities of a political subdivision to be designated for and used only by persons of the same sex as stated on the person's birth certificate. The bill would prohibit political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing an order, ordinance, policy, or other measure to protect a class of persons from discrimination specifically regarding access to multi-occupancy restrooms, showers, or changing facilities, or participation in athletic activities.

Based on information provided by the Texas State Technical College System, University of Houston System, Office of the Attorney General, Texas State University System, Texas A&M University System, University of Texas System, Office of Court Administration, University of North Texas System, and Texas Education Agency, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.

The bill would go in to effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house, otherwise the bill takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.

Local Government Impact

According to the Texas Education Agency, significant costs to school districts or charter schools are not anticipated as most multi-occupancy facilities are already designated, however a very small number may have multiple-occupancy facilities that are not currently designated and may incur costs associated with making a designation and/or construction costs.

According to the City of Houston, the bill would have a significant impact if corporations and special events choose not to pursue certain business in the state; the city anticipates the impact could be in the millions of dollars.

According to the Texas Municipal League, cities that are interested in hosting events or pursuing economic development initiatives are concerned about a loss of business to the state.


Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General, 701 Texas Education Agency, 710 Texas A&M University System Administrative and General Offices, 719 Texas State Technical College System Administration, 720 The University of Texas System Administration, 758 Texas State University System, 769 University of North Texas System Administration, 783 University of Houston System Administration
LBB Staff:
UP, AG, NV, JSm, JGA