Key Takeaways:

• Texas Attorney General launches tip line for bathroom bill reports.
• Government agencies face daily fines up to $125,000 for violations.
• Public can submit written complaints and photos (though illegal in restrooms).
• Critics warn of privacy invasions and possible harassment.
• Early actions include ID checks and new signage at some sites.

What the Texas bathroom bill requires

The Texas bathroom bill sets rules on who can use public restrooms and locker rooms. It applies to schools, colleges and state buildings. People must use facilities that match the sex they were assigned at birth. If someone enters the “wrong” restroom, the institution—not the individual—faces penalties. A first offense costs $25,000. After that, agencies pay $125,000 per day until they fix the issue.

How the tip line works

Attorney General Ken Paxton now asks Texans to report suspected violations. First, you must file a complaint with the agency you believe broke the law. Then you fill out the form on the Attorney General’s website. The form even lets you upload photos. However, taking photos inside restrooms is illegal and may lead to criminal charges.

The office will review each submission. If it finds a real violation, it will propose fines and send them to the agency. Additionally, individuals who feel “affected” by a violation can sue those agencies. Thus, the new tip line adds another layer of enforcement for the Texas bathroom bill.

Legal and privacy concerns

Despite its clear goal, the law leaves many details vague. It tells agencies to take “every reasonable step” but does not define what that means. This vagueness worries critics. They say it lets people police one another in bathrooms. Moreover, photos on the tip line risk breaking privacy laws.

Last year, a GOP leader in Williamson County took a photo of a transgender woman in a Capitol restroom. She then faced a criminal investigation for invading privacy. Even though she sued to stop it, the federal appeals court ruled against her. This case shows how snap judgments in restrooms can lead to legal trouble.

Early enforcement actions

The new law took effect on December 4. Since then, enforcement has varied widely across Texas. At the state Capitol two days later, law officers blocked the women’s restroom and checked protesters’ IDs. In contrast, many schools and local offices simply added new signs. Some said they did not need any changes because their existing policies already matched the law.

In most places, the only visible difference has been new restroom signs. Few institutions have pointed to new security checks or staff training. Still, the tip line may prompt more active enforcement over time. Institutions now know that anyone can send a complaint directly to the Attorney General.

Critics sound alarms

Civil rights groups immediately criticized the tip line. They point out that restroom photos often break privacy rules. Beyond that, critics fear harassment campaigns. People might spy on others in restrooms just to file a complaint. Then they could use the law to intimidate innocent strangers.

One lawyer for the state ACLU said the tip line “encourages Texans to violate each other’s privacy in bathrooms.” He added that transgender Texans can feel “vilified and dehumanized” by the law. Furthermore, critics note that no state law forces private businesses to follow these rules. Yet animus stirred by the law could seep into all public spaces.

A real incident in Minnesota illustrates the risk. A teen girl was wrongly questioned in a restaurant bathroom. A server claimed she did not belong there. He kept harassing her until she revealed her chest. That state has no bathroom bill, and private businesses are not covered by such laws. Still, bias led to a traumatic event.

Where things go from here

Lawmakers crafted the Texas bathroom bill to protect women’s privacy and safety. They argue that men in women’s restrooms pose a risk. Attorney General Paxton said Texas must fight “radical leftism” and the danger of “mentally ill men.” He vowed to “bring justice” to agencies that break the law.

On the other hand, opponents say the law and its tip line create new risks. They claim it invites false reports and vigilantism. As more complaints come in, agencies may face heavy fines even for honest mistakes. Meanwhile, transgender Texans may feel unwelcome or threatened in public spaces.

Over time, we will see how agencies react to pressure from the tip line. Some may tighten rules, train staff or hire bathroom monitors. Others may push back, arguing the law harms privacy and trust. Court challenges could also reshape enforcement if judges find parts of the law unconstitutional.

For now, the tip line adds a new twist to the Texas bathroom bill. It empowers the public to police restrooms. However, it also raises serious questions about privacy, fairness and safety. As the debate continues, Texans will watch closely to see if the law protects or harms the people it targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a complaint is filed?

First, you must submit a complaint to the agency you believe broke the law. Then you file the same complaint with the Attorney General’s office. That office will review it and suggest fines if they confirm a violation.

Can I take photos inside a public restroom?

No. Taking photos inside a restroom is illegal and can lead to criminal charges. Even though the tip line allows photo uploads, you should never snap pictures in a bathroom.

Who pays the fines if someone uses the “wrong” restroom?

The institution pays the fines, not the person. A first offense costs $25,000. If a violation continues, the agency pays $125,000 per day.

Are private businesses subject to the Texas bathroom bill?

No. The law only covers schools, colleges and government buildings. Private businesses can set their own restroom policies without facing these fines.