Texas 'bathroom bill' near collapse over GOP standoff

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A proposed Texas "bathroom bill" targeting transgender people neared collapse Friday over a deadlock between Republicans heeding warnings from big businesses and sports leagues — including Google and the NFL — and social conservatives who drive the state's political agenda.

Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he is resolved to force a special session if a North Carolina-style law that could restrict bathroom access for transgender people doesn't prevail — but Republican Gov. Greg Abbott made clear later that he was calling the shots.

The pursuit of a so-called bathroom bill in Texas has roiled the Legislature for months, igniting opposition from the NBA, major corporations and LGBT rights groups.

The Texas Senate months ago approved a sweeping proposal requiring transgender people to use public restrooms corresponding to the gender on their birth certificates — similar to a law that sparked national outcry and boycotts worth billions of dollars in lost revenue when North Carolina approved a similar measure last year.

Hollywood and music stars have threatened boycotts if Texas passes a law, and the NFL and NBA have hinted that future events could be pulled out of the state — even though Houston hosted the last Super Bowl in February.