TEXAS WOMEN’S PRIVACY ACT, SB8

The City of Leon Valley is committed to complying with all applicable state laws, including the Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Senate Bill 8).  This law requires that certain public facilities in government-owned buildings be designated for use based on biological sex. The Texas Women's Privacy Act (Senate Bill 8) requires multi-user restrooms and changing areas in government buildings to be designated based on the biological sex listed on a person's original birth certificate. The law applies to city facilities, schools and universities.

The law states that government entities must take "every reasonable step" to comply with the law.

This policy establishes procedures regarding the designation and use of multiple-occupancy restrooms and similar facilities in city-owned or city-operated buildings, to include reporting incidences of a city facility that is not in compliance with this law, and the submission of a formal complaint.

APPLICABILITY

The Texas Women’s Privacy Act applies to multiple-occupancy private spaces in government buildings, such as restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, shower rooms, and spaces where individuals may be in a state of undress in the presence of others. 

This policy applies to all City of Leon Valley buildings and facilities owned or operated by the City, including but not limited to:

  • City Hall
  • Police & Fire Stations
  • Public Library
  • Community Center
  • Conference Center
  • Public Works facilities
  • Parks facilities with restrooms

The law mandates that these spaces be designated for use by either males or females, based on the biological sex listed on a person’s original birth certificate, and applies to all employees, officials, volunteers, contractors, and members of the public using city facilities.

DEFINITIONS (PER SB 8)

Biological Sex - The physical condition of being male or female, stated on a person’s original birth certificate.

Multiple-Occupancy Facility -  A restroom, shower room, locker room, changing room, or similar facility designed for multiple individuals to be in the space at the same time.

Single-Occupancy Facility - A fully enclosed restroom or changing area intended for use by one person at a time; may be gender-neutral.

FACILITY DESIGNATIONS

The law requires the City of Leon Valley to take non-invasive, respectful steps to comply with the law, to include posting clear signage on restrooms, offering private restroom options if available, and ensuring facilities are safe and accessible.

PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS

The law allows individuals to enter a facility designated for the opposite sex in the following situations:

  • Providing custodial, maintenance, repair, or inspection services.
  • Providing assistance to a person with a disability.
  • A child under the age of nine or younger accompanied by a parent/guardian as allowed by SB 8.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation, or law-enforcement response.
  • To prevent a serious threat to safety or order.

CITY’S COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the City’s responsibility to follow state laws; to provide safe, respectful, and accessible facilities, and to offer reasonable restroom options that support privacy and comfort for all individuals.

PROCEDURES FOR FILING A COMPLIANCE COMPLAINT

Complaints are limited to buildings and facilities owned or operated by the City of Leon Valley. If the complaint involves a facility owned or operated by Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, or another government entity, please direct the complainant to their appropriate office. Verified complaints will be investigated, and a thorough review will be conducted. You may be contacted if questions arise or additional information is required. If it does not qualify, you will be notified.

  1. Submit a formal written complaint (or complete Attachment-A “Complaint Intake Form”) with the City of Leon Valley.

  2. Complete the Complaint Intake Form via webform here.  

  3. The formal written complaint must include the following information:   

    • Complainant’s Information – Name and Contact Information;
    • Date and Time of Incident;
    • Location of Incident – Address or Identifier of Building or Facility in question
    • A brief description of what occurred;
    • Any additional or supportive documents you can provide that may assist in the investigation.

Confidentiality Notice: The City of Leon Valley cannot guarantee the complaint information will remain confidential. The Texas Public Information Act allows the public release of any information held by the City of Leon Valley. Your name and complaint may be made public if the City of Leon Valley receives a request for the information.

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

City of Leon Valley

Attention: Human Resources Office

6400 El Verde Road

Leon Valley, Texas 78238

Phone: (210) 684-1391

Fax: (210) 684-1515

Email: humanresources@leonvalleytexas.gov

Website: https://www.leonvalleytexas.gov/

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