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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed a new law that requires individuals in government-owned buildings to use restrooms and other facilities that align with their sex assigned at birth.

Getting into it: The newly signed Senate Bill 8 mandates that all individuals in government-owned buildings (including public schools, colleges, and universities) must use restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and showers that correspond to the biological sex listed on their original birth certificate. The law also extends to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, requiring that inmates be housed based on sex assigned at birth, impacting dormitory and cellblock placements.

The law imposes substantial penalties on organizations that fail to comply, with fines set at $25,000 for a first violation and escalating to $125,000 for subsequent violations. These fines apply to the institutions, not individuals, and enforcement will be overseen by the Texas Attorney General’s office.

Governor Abbott defended the bill as a matter of “common sense.” In a video posted to social media while holding the signed legislation, he said, “I signed a law banning men from women’s restrooms. It is a common sense public safety issue.” Supporters, including the bill’s sponsor Rep. Angelia Orr, argue the law is necessary to protect women and girls in public spaces. “When it comes to the dignity, privacy, and safety of Texas women and girls — there is no compromise,” she said.

Opponents, including the ACLU of Texas, argue the law is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and encourages gender policing that could harm not just transgender individuals. Critics also say there is no credible evidence showing transgender people pose a threat in restrooms, and they fear the law will create hostile and unsafe environments for already vulnerable communities.