Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB217

Caption

Relating to the required inclusion of a person's sex on a birth certificate and prohibited change of sex on the birth certificate of certain minors.

Impact

The implications of HB 217 are significant, impacting how birth certificates are issued and maintained for minors. It requires that local registrars document a child's biological sex at birth, bolstering the requirement for biological indicators over personal or gender identity considerations. Furthermore, the bill introduces a prohibition on amending a child's birth certificate to reflect a change in biological sex, except for a narrow set of circumstances, primarily regarding clerical errors or cases where a child's sex is indeterminate at birth.

Summary

House Bill 217 seeks to mandate the inclusion of a person's biological sex on their birth certificate and restricts the modification of that information for minors. The bill amends sections of the Health and Safety Code, specifically focusing on how the biological sex is documented and the circumstances under which it can be changed. Under the proposed changes, a birth certificate must specify a child's biological sex, classified strictly as male or female. This requirement emphasizes a biological determination of sex based on sex organs and other physiological characteristics.

Contention

The proposed bill has sparked debate regarding gender identity and the rights of minors. Proponents argue that it enforces clarity and biological accuracy in official documents. However, critics voice concerns that this could infringe upon the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, particularly minors, by restricting their ability to have documentation that aligns with their gender identity. They worry that the bill represents a broader trend towards limiting recognition and support for gender diversity, potentially reinforcing stigmas and discrimination against those who do not conform to traditional gender norms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB162

Relating to the required inclusion of a person's sex on a birth certificate and prohibited change of sex on the birth certificate of certain minors.

TX HB1952

Relating to the required inclusion of a person's sex on a birth certificate and prohibited change of sex on the birth certificate of certain minors.

TX HB752

Relating to a change of name and sex for certain persons and the issuance of associated birth records and documentation; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1341

Relating to the application review process for certain delayed birth certificates.

TX HB1686

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX SB14

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX SB625

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX HB3612

Relating to the citizenship status of and the form of birth certificates for certain children born in this state.

TX HB3641

Relating to residency requirements for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates.

TX HB41

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.