AUSTIN - The author of the so-called bathroom bill said she is working on potential changes after listening to people "from all walks of life," emphasizing that her measure is aimed not at the transgender people it would affect but at men who might assert a right to go into women'srestrooms for perhaps nefarious purposes.

"It's really not about the transgender. It's about other people that will abuse that. And that side of it's not been told very well," Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Bren-ham, said, citing discussions with "lots of women."

There is no evidence of a transgender person assaulting anyone in a restroom in Texas, and transgender advocates see the measure as indisputably targeting them.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Kolkhorst together unveiled the bathroom bill, Senate Bill 6, days before the legislative session began. The measure on Tuesday was referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee.

It would specify thatrestrooms, dressing rooms and locker rooms in government buildings, schools and universities be designated for use by people according to their "biological sex." It would allow school districts to make accommodations, such as single-occupancy bathrooms, and it would allow for exceptions for parents with their children. Kolkhorst said she is looking at whether more exceptions are needed.

Among other provisions, the bill also would prohibit any local government from adopting an ordinance preventing businesses from making their own restroom policies. It also would enhance criminal penalties for certain offenses if they are committed in a public restroom.

Chuck Smith, chief executive officer of Equality Texas, said of Kolkhorst's remarks, "I think it's probably certainly indicative that she is getting a lot of feedback/pushback related to it. I'm happy that she's recognizing that there are concerns with the legislation, and I'd welcome the opportunity to share our concerns with her as well."

Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Texans.

Business and civic leaders have raised concerns that the legislation would dampen the state's economy, potentially costing it events like the NCAA Final Four scheduled next year for San Antonio and discouraging companies from coming or expanding here.

The Texas Association of Business released a study in December saying that initiatives targeting gay and transgender Texans could cost the economy $8.5 billion a year and endanger 185,000 jobs.