The 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-blocking or cross-sex hormone medications, to minors for the purpose of altering their gender identity if it is inconsistent with their biological sex. Exceptions are made for minors born with medically verifiable disorders of sex development, and the bill allows for the continuation of treatments that began before January 1, 2026. Violations of this provision may result in administrative disciplinary action by the board of medicine, but not criminal liability.

Additionally, the bill establishes the second Thursday in October as Children's Environmental Health Day, encouraging awareness and education about the importance of clean air, water, safe food, and consumer products. The act also provides a private right of action for minors who are aggrieved by violations, allowing them to seek damages and injunctive relief in court. The attorney general is granted authority to enforce compliance with the chapter, and the bill outlines provisions for the recovery of attorney fees for prevailing parties. The effective date for the prohibitions on medical procedures is set for January 1, 2026, while the remainder of the act will take effect 60 days after its 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
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 4:13