Houston-area legislator files bill that could criminalize trans identity on official documents

A new bill filed in the Texas Legislature could make it a crime for transgender people to identify as a gender different from their sex assigned at birth when dealing with government entities or employers.

• Will lawmakers let Texas’ maternal mortality committee review abortion deaths?

The consequences

The bill, introduced by Republican State Rep. Tom Oliverson, would create a new offense called “gender identity fraud.” Under the proposed law, anyone who “knowingly makes a false or misleading verbal or written statement” about their biological sex to a government agency or their employer could face a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

• Federal appeals court reverses Texas death row inmate’s conviction

Who is behind the bill?

Oliverson represents Texas’ 130th State House District, which includes Tomball, Cypress, Waller, and Hockley in northwest Harris County. KPRC 2 reached out to Rep. Oliverson’s offices but he has not yet responded to requests for comment on the bill.

When the bill would take effect?

If passed, the law would take effect on September 1, 2025.