This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding health professionals and gender transition procedures for individuals under eighteen years of age. Under the new provisions, health professionals are prohibited from providing or referring individuals under eighteen for gender transition procedures, which includes any medical or surgical services aimed at altering or creating physical characteristics associated with a different biological sex. Additionally, public funds cannot be used to support such procedures, and the Arizona health care cost containment system is barred from reimbursing costs related to these procedures for minors. Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications, such as defining "gender transition procedure" and "puberty-blocking drugs," and establishes that any health professional who violates these provisions will face disciplinary action. It also allows individuals to assert claims for violations and seek various forms of relief, including compensatory damages, within specified timeframes. The bill emphasizes that the attorney general has the authority to enforce compliance with these new regulations, and it sets an effective date of March 31, 2027, to allow for the tapering and discontinuation of medications for minors currently undergoing treatment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3230