Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick doesn’t believe "bathroom bill" could cost Texas billions in lost revenue

Austin, Texas (AP) — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is criticizing a business group study suggesting that the so-called "bathroom bill" could cost Texas billions in lost revenue.

The Texas Association of Business has estimated that a proposal barring transgender Texans from using the public restroom of their choice could cost the state up to $8.5 billion.

The study also referenced North Carolina, which faced boycotts and lost major sporting events after approving a similar measure.

Patrick has decried the study before. But he called a press conference Monday to brand it "bogus" and "fear mongering."

He also pointed to a newspaper fact-check story questioning the study's methodology.

In a statement Monday, the association again pointed to North Carolina's fallout saying "we don't need studies alone to prove the negative impact of this unnecessary legislation."

Copyright 2017 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The Gayly – February 7, 2017 @ 5:20 p.m.