TO:	Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB6 by Kolkhorst (Relating to regulations and policies for entering or using a bathroom or changing facility; authorizing a civil penalty.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

The bill would amend the Local Government Code and Health and Safety Code relating to regulations and policies for entering or using a bathroom or changing facility. The bill would authorize a civil penalty for violations of this act. 

Based on information provided by the Office of Court Administration, Office of the Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, Texas A&M University System Administration, University of Texas System Administration, University of North Texas System Administration, and University of Houston System Administration it is assumed that any costs associated with the implementation of the bill would be absorbed within existing agency resources. 

The bill would go in to effect on September 1, 2017.

Local Government Impact

According to the Texas Association of Counties, costs associated with the up to $1,500 penalty assessed on governmental entities violating its provisions would accrue over the length of time taken for complaint investigations. The fiscal implication would thus depend on the length of the investigation.  

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.