The proposed legislation, titled "The Stop Harming Our Kids Act," aims to establish strict regulations regarding medical procedures and treatments for minors that alter their sex characteristics. It defines key terms such as "healthcare professional," "minor," and "sex," and explicitly prohibits healthcare professionals from engaging in various acts intended to change a minor's appearance to align with their perceived gender. These prohibited acts include the administration of certain hormones, sterilizing surgeries, and aesthetic procedures. Exceptions are made for minors with specific medical conditions, such as disorders of sex development or those requiring urgent medical treatment.
Additionally, the bill outlines disciplinary actions for healthcare professionals who violate these provisions, including the revocation of licenses for a minimum of two years. It also establishes that minors cannot consent to the prohibited procedures and provides legal remedies for individuals harmed by such actions, allowing them to seek damages in court. The Attorney General is granted the authority to enforce compliance with the law and seek injunctive relief. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, unless vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature.