This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding gender transition procedures for minors. Under the new provisions, physicians and other health professionals would be prohibited from providing or referring individuals under 18 years of age for any gender transition procedures. Additionally, public funds cannot be used to support such procedures, and the Arizona health care cost containment system is barred from reimbursing costs associated with them. The bill also establishes that any health professional who violates these prohibitions would be committing unprofessional conduct, subject to disciplinary actions by their licensing boards. Furthermore, the bill introduces a framework for individuals to seek legal recourse if their rights under this section are violated. It allows individuals to assert claims in judicial or administrative proceedings, with specific timelines for bringing actions and provisions for recovering damages and attorney fees. The bill also clarifies definitions related to gender transition procedures, including what constitutes "cross-sex hormones" and "puberty-blocking drugs," and emphasizes that the Attorney General has the authority to enforce compliance with these new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to restrict access to gender transition procedures for minors while providing mechanisms for accountability and legal action.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3230