Headed for Failure; No Support for House Bill 3817

March 10, 2025 – In early March 2025, Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson introduced House Bill 3817, proposing the creation of a criminal offense termed “gender identity fraud.” This bill seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code to penalize individuals who knowingly make false or misleading statements about their biological sex to governmental entities or employers, identifying as a sex opposite to that assigned at birth. If enacted, such actions would be classified as a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The proposal has sparked significant concern among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and legal experts. Critics argue that the bill effectively criminalizes the act of being transgender, infringing upon personal freedoms and exacerbating discrimination against the transgender community. They contend that the legislation could lead to increased marginalization and legal repercussions for individuals simply seeking recognition of their gender identity.

As of now, House Bill 3817 has not advanced significantly within the legislative process; it lacks co-sponsors and has no scheduled committee hearings. This status suggests that, while the bill has been introduced, it may not progress further without additional legislative support.

This bill is part of a broader trend in Texas, where numerous pieces of legislation have been filed aiming to curtail transgender rights. Over 50 such bills have been introduced, reflecting a growing national discourse on transgender issues and legal protections.

The introduction of House Bill 3817 underscores the ongoing debates surrounding gender identity and legal recognition, highlighting the tensions between legislative actions and the rights of transgender individuals.