The bill, titled the Save James Act, seeks to amend the definitions of child abuse and neglect within the Texas Family Code, particularly concerning the treatment of children regarding gender identity. It introduces new provisions that allow courts in Texas to exercise temporary emergency jurisdiction over a child if they are present in the state and at risk of receiving gender transitioning or reassignment procedures that are prohibited under Section 161.702 of the Health and Safety Code. The bill specifies that abuse now includes actions that affirm a child's perception of gender inconsistent with their biological sex, as well as the refusal to affirm such perceptions, which is not considered abuse.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of neglect to clarify that it does not include the refusal to affirm a child's gender perception or sexual orientation if inconsistent with their biological sex. The amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines for what constitutes abuse and neglect in the context of gender identity, emphasizing the protection of children from certain medical and psychological interventions deemed harmful. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 152.204, Family Code 161.702 (Family Code 152, Family Code 161)