This bill introduces new legal provisions that exempt child-rearing practices consistent with a child's biological sex from being classified as child abuse or endangerment. Specifically, it amends existing laws to state that a child raised in accordance with their biological sex, including decisions related to mental health and medical care, will not be considered an "abused child" or a basis for legal actions such as removal from the home, neglect or abuse allegations, or termination of parental rights. The bill also clarifies that such practices cannot be used as grounds for determining the suitability of adoptive homes or for child-placing agency licensing.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect parents and guardians from being charged with endangering a child's welfare for raising them in alignment with their biological sex. It explicitly states that a refusal to support gender transition for a child will not be deemed endangerment, nor will it affect assessments of adoptive homes or the best interests of the child in family law determinations. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 639:3, 170-B:18, 170-E:27
HB1376 text: 169-C:3, 639:3, 170-B:18, 170-E:27, 461-A:6