Texas Lawmaker Delays Transgender School 'Bathroom Bill'

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AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A highly anticipated hearing on a bill limiting transgender students' use of Texas school bathrooms and locker rooms has been delayed after a veteran Republican told the author to soften his language.

Rep. Byron Cook pulled the bill from a Wednesday hearing before his powerful House State Affairs Committee. He told fellow Republican Rep. Gilbert Pena that it wouldn't make the committee's agenda until its language is "toned down."

Pena said a revised version will be heard in committee next week.

Pena's is the only one of four "bathroom bills," which would specify which bathrooms transgender Texans use and incriminate erroneous users, that had been scheduled for a committee hearing.

Gay rights advocacy group Equality Texas called the postponement with only 47 days left in the legislative session "a victory."

Last year, the University of North Texas made several campus public restrooms gender-neutral. University administrators said they made the move to reflect on and meet the needs of their students.

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