The Hormone Therapy and Puberty Blocker Child Protection Act aims to restrict access to gender-affirming medical care for minors by prohibiting certain medical procedures that allow minors to identify with a gender inconsistent with their biological sex. The Act mandates that health care providers and public bodies cannot perform or administer hormone treatments or puberty blockers unless they are for specific medical conditions, such as congenital defects or physical injuries. Additionally, if a minor has engaged in any gender-affirming action, health care providers must notify at least one parent within seven days. The legislation also establishes a private right of action for minors or their parents to seek damages for violations and outlines penalties for non-compliance by health care providers.

The bill further amends existing laws to clarify definitions related to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, including terms like "gender-affirming action" and "puberty blocker." It requires parental notification and consent before discussing or providing reproductive health care to minors and prohibits health care providers from offering gender-affirming care without parental involvement. The legislation allows for civil actions against health care providers for violations, with potential damages of up to $10,000 per violation, and includes provisions for the release of information related to protected health care activities. The Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-34-2, 24-34-3, 24-34-4, 24-34-5, 24-35-2, 24-35-3, 24-35-4, 24-35-5, 24-35-6, 24-35-8