The "Rhode Island's Children Deserve Help Not Harm Act" aims to restrict access to gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of eighteen, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable children from irreversible medical interventions. The bill introduces new legal language into Title 23 of the General Laws, creating Chapter 104, which defines key terms such as "biological sex," "gender reassignment surgery," and "cross-sex hormones." It prohibits healthcare professionals and institutions from providing gender transition procedures to minors, including both genital and non-genital surgeries, and disallows insurance coverage for these services. The legislation also states that public funds cannot be used for such procedures, and any payments made will not be tax-deductible.

Additionally, the bill allows minors to pursue legal action for damages related to violations of this chapter, with a statute of limitations extending up to thirty years after reaching adulthood. It classifies the provision of gender transition procedures to minors as unprofessional conduct, subjecting healthcare providers to disciplinary actions. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing time for minors currently undergoing treatment to taper off their medications under medical supervision. Overall, the bill reflects a shift towards prioritizing mental health support over medical interventions for children experiencing gender dysphoria.