FAQs Texas Senate Bill (SB-8)

Texas Senate Bill 8, also referred to as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act or the Texas “Bathroom Bill,” mandates that all state schools and universities in Texas provide restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities according to biological sex instead of gender identity. Additionally, schools and universities are required to offer single-occupancy, unisex, or family restrooms as alternative options.

Creating a culture of belonging for Paris Junior College (PJC) students, employees, and the community supports legal compliance with SB-8 while ensuring the safety and dignity of everyone.

Texas Senate Bill 8, passed in August 2025, limits access to multi-stall public restrooms and changing facilities in government buildings and schools to individuals based on their sex assigned at birth, allowing use of single-occupancy, family, or unisex restrooms as alternatives.

PJC is dedicated to creating a culture of excellence and providing strong support for students, while also promoting a sense of belonging through meaningful relations. PJC is committed to adhering to all legal requirements, including SB-8, and will continue to prioritize the safety and dignity of our students, employees, and the community.

Although SB-8 does not define the term "biological sex", it is connected to Texas House Bill (HB) 229, which defines sex as either male or female based on biological reproductive systems.

  • It does NOT penalize individuals (students, employees, or visitors) for using a specific restroom. The penalties for violations apply to institutions (schools, universities, state agencies), which could face fines and lawsuits. Students and staff could be subject to disciplinary action for failing to adhere to the college’s policy.
  • It does NOT require public educators to "police bathrooms" or question students about their biological sex.
  • It does NOT reflect an institutional desire to "police gender" or single out specific individuals or groups.
  • It does NOT alter an institution's general culture of caring for all individuals.
  • It does NOT expressly create a new criminal offense.

Yes. SB 8 includes exceptions to the rules regarding multi-user bathrooms. Law enforcement personnel, custodial staff, and individuals providing medical or emergency assistance are allowed to enter facilities that do not correspond to their sex assigned at birth. Children who are nine years old or younger are exempt from these rules if they are accompanied by a supervising adult. The law also permits the use of single-occupancy or family restrooms as an alternative option.

PJC will clearly mark restrooms and locker rooms to support usage based on biological sex and offer the option of unisex restrooms.

SB-8 violations apply to institutions, not individuals, with PJC facing potential fines and lawsuits. To comply with state law and show PJC’s commitment to safety and dignity, PJC will educate students, employees, and visitors about SB-8 requirements.

No. However, violations can be reported voluntarily by individuals.

Students and employees should use the PJC’s existing grievance processes to report any incidents related to SB 8 or contact Dr. Paul Guidry for further assistance at pguidry@parisjc.edu.

PJC will provide general information and training to all students and employees to learn more about SB-8, restroom locations, and incident reporting. The training will guide how to respond to incidents with courtesy and concern while advancing the PJC's culture of belonging and caring that builds on a sense of trust, safety, and dignity for all students and employees.