Senate Committee Passes Texas Privacy Act (SB 6) in 8-1 Vote

Nicole testimony sb6 (600-315)

In the early hours of Wednesday, March 8, just before 5 a.m., the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee passed the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), after nearly 20 hours of testimony by those supporting and those opposing the most talked about legislation during the 2017 Texas Legislative session.  Public testimony on the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6) was taken starting at 8 a.m. today (March 7) in the Senate State Affairs committee, room E1.036 in the Texas Capitol Extension. Voting for SB 6 were Republican Senators Joan Huffman (Chair), Bryan Hughes, Craig Estes, Jane Nelson, Brandon Creighton, Brian Birdwell, Charles Schwertner, and Democratic Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. The only vote in opposition was by Democratic Senator Judith Zaffirini.

Jonathan Saenz, President of Texas Values released the following statement:

“This vote passing SB 6 in committee is a reflection of the broad and comprehensive support for privacy and safety by business leaders, women’s groups, lawyers, parents, pastors and faith leaders, and education leaders including key superintendents for public schools. We look forward to seeing SB 6 pass the full Senate and get one step closer to making sure that men and boys will not be entering girl’s bathrooms, showers and locker rooms in public schools and other government buildings.”

Texas Values policy analyst Nicole Hudgens testified at the hearing in favor of SB 6.

Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst filed SB 6 to protect the privacy, safety and dignity of Texans in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other intimate facilities in all government buildings, including public schools. SB 6 protects private businesses from local government laws dictating restroom, locker room, and changing area policies. The bill also defends the dignity and privacy of all Texans in intimate facilities in public schools and government buildings, making it clear that government entities may not allow biological men in girls’ bathrooms, shower rooms, or changing areas.

Learn more about SB 6 here.

Click here to see the wide support for SB 6.

Other notables testifying in favor of SB 6 were:

  • North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest
  • Hernan Castano, “Houston 5” Pastor of Rivers of Oil Church in Houston (can do Spanish media)
  • Charles Flowers, Pastor of San Antonio’s Faith Outreach Center.
  • Kaeley Triller Harber, a victim of sexual abuse and a former YMCA Communications Director.
  • Rob and Shiloh, a father and daughter duo concerned about Dripping Springs ISD’s new bathroom policy.
  • John Kelly, Superintendent of Pearland ISD.


About Texas Values
Texas Values is a nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at https://txvalues.org.

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