BREAKING: Texas GOP Introduces “Bathroom Bill”

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.