The proposed bill, known as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, introduces significant restrictions on medical procedures and treatments intended to alter a minor's gender. Specifically, it prohibits healthcare providers from performing or administering any medical procedures, including puberty blockers or cross-sex hormone medications, to minors for the purpose of changing their gender identity or addressing discomfort related to their biological sex. Exceptions are made for minors with medically verifiable disorders of sex development, and ongoing treatments initiated before January 1, 2026, are allowed to continue without penalty. Violations of this prohibition may result in administrative disciplinary actions, but not criminal liability.

Additionally, the bill establishes the second Thursday in October as Children's Environmental Health Day, encouraging local governments to promote awareness about the importance of clean air, water, and safe consumer products. The bill allows minors who are aggrieved by violations of the gender alteration prohibitions to seek damages and injunctive relief in court, with provisions for attorney fees for prevailing parties. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, for the medical procedure prohibitions, while the environmental health day provisions will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 332-N:2
As Amended by the Senate: 4:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 4:13