Texas House Approves Bill Requiring Sex Assigned at Birth in Medical Records

The Texas House has passed Senate Bill 1188, which mandates that health care agencies include a new field in medical records for patients' sex assigned at birth and any sexual development disorders, with strict penalties for providers who alter this information. Sponsored by Republican Rep. Greg Bonnen, the bill also imposes restrictions on digital data storage and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, while allowing gender identity information to remain in records. Supporters argue the measure is essential for accurate medical care, especially in emergencies, and emphasizes data security by requiring records to be stored on U.S. servers. However, Democrats and LGBTQ advocates criticize the bill, expressing concerns that it could forcibly out transgender and intersex individuals by requiring birth sex to be prominently displayed, potentially leading to discrimination and discouraging providers from recording accurate, individualized information. The bill includes fines up to $250,000 for providers who knowingly violate its provisions and permits changing the biological sex marker only for clerical errors or intersex cases. This legislation is part of a broader series of Texas laws targeting transgender rights, including restrictions on birth certificate changes and potential criminal penalties for misgendering in official documents.