The Associated Press reports:
Texas lawmakers will decide whether to embrace an issue that caused a national uproar in North Carolina – banning transgendered people from using the bathroom of their choice. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a top social conservative voice in the state, unveiled the proposed law Thursday at a news conference. Patrick says the “Privacy Protection Act” is a top priority for the GOP-controlled Legislature, which convenes next week. Lawmakers likely will support it, even though Texas’ largest business lobbying group says it and other anti-gay rights proposals could cost the state up to $8.5 billion and 100,000-plus jobs. North Carolina faced boycotts, and potentially billions of dollars in lost state revenue, after passing its own version last year.
The bill’s introducing sponsor is Sen. Lois Kolkhorst.
In the new year, the GOP will control every level of Fed & St Gov. If we can’t get conservative reforms passed now, we never will. #txlege pic.twitter.com/WGHdPQnB4t
— Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (@loiskolkhorst) December 29, 2016