A recently proposed bill in the Texas legislature, known as the Texas gender identity fraud bill, has generated widespread debate and criticism. The bill, introduced by Republican state Rep. Tom Oliverson, seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code by adding a new category of fraud related to gender identity. If passed, the bill could make it a state felony for transgender individuals to provide what it terms as “false or misleading” information regarding their biological sex to governmental entities or employers.
The Texas gender identity fraud bill, also referred to as House Bill 3817, explicitly states that a person would be guilty of “gender identity fraud” if they knowingly make a verbal or written statement claiming a gender identity different from the biological sex assigned to them at birth.
According to the bill, such an offense could carry severe consequences, including a state felony charge, a prison sentence of up to two years, and a fine of $10,000. This potential law has sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and legal experts, who argue that it could lead to increased discrimination against transgender individuals in the workplace and in public services.
If enacted, the Texas gender identity fraud bill could significantly impact transgender Texans by restricting their ability to openly express their gender identity in official settings. This could include job applications, interactions with law enforcement, and applications for government benefits.
For transgender individuals, legal recognition of their gender identity is essential for accessing healthcare, employment, and legal protections. Many civil rights groups argue that the bill would force transgender Texans to hide their gender identity to avoid legal repercussions, potentially exposing them to greater risks of harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, have strongly opposed the Texas gender identity fraud bill, calling it an attack on transgender rights. The ACLU criticized the bill, stating that it could further marginalize transgender individuals and restrict their rights to self-identify.
“This bill is a clear attempt to criminalize transgender existence,” an ACLU spokesperson stated. “It undermines the fundamental rights of transgender individuals and places them at greater risk of harm.”
The Texas gender identity fraud bill is not the first piece of legislation in the state targeting transgender individuals. In August 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued an order prohibiting transgender people from changing the gender marker on their driver’s licenses and state IDs.
This decision was followed by another policy change in September 2024, when the state stopped allowing modifications to birth certificates regarding gender identity. These policies have been widely criticized for putting transgender Texans at risk by forcing them to use documents that do not reflect their gender identity, potentially exposing them to discrimination and harassment.
Rep. Tom Oliverson, the legislator behind the Texas gender identity fraud bill, has previously been involved in other anti-transgender legislative efforts. During the 2023 legislative session, he played a significant role in Senate Bill 14, which effectively banned gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors.
The Texas Supreme Court later upheld this law, despite legal challenges from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. Critics argue that such legislative efforts are part of a larger movement to erode transgender rights in the state.
With the 89th Texas Legislative Session currently underway, the number of anti-transgender bills has reached an all-time high. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, nearly 100 anti-trans bills have been filed in Texas in 2025, surpassing the 69 anti-trans bills filed in the previous legislative session in 2023.
Legal experts warn that the increasing number of such bills could normalize discrimination against transgender individuals in Texas, creating legal and social barriers that restrict their rights and freedoms.
Despite its introduction, the Texas gender identity fraud bill faces significant obstacles before it can become law. According to the Texas Legislature Tracker, the bill has no co-sponsors and has not moved to any legislative committees, making it unlikely to pass in its current form.
Political analysts suggest that while the bill may not succeed, its introduction reflects a larger national trend of states pushing for anti-transgender legislation. Similar bills have been proposed in Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas, indicating a growing push for restrictive policies targeting gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights across the United States.
The Texas gender identity fraud bill has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, civil liberties groups, and healthcare professionals. Many argue that the bill could violate constitutional protections related to freedom of expression, equal protection, and privacy rights.
“Legislation like this is not just harmful—it’s unconstitutional,” said a legal expert from the Human Rights Campaign. “Targeting transgender individuals for simply existing and identifying with their gender is a direct violation of their civil rights.”
The proposed Texas gender identity fraud bill has sparked heated discussions on social media, with many Texans expressing their opposition to the legislation. Advocacy groups have organized rallies, petitions, and legal challenges to prevent the bill from advancing.
LGBTQ+ activists are encouraging residents to contact their local representatives to voice their concerns and push for trans-inclusive policies rather than restrictive laws that further marginalize transgender individuals.
