TX
Texas House Bill HB3478

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3478

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the definitions of child abuse and neglect and the temporary emergency jurisdiction of a court in this state over a child at risk of receiving certain prohibited gender transitioning or gender reassignment procedures or treatments.

Impact

The bill's proposed alterations to the definition of 'abuse' in the Family Code include new provisions that classify encouraging or allowing a child to undergo medical or psychological interventions affirming a gender perception inconsistent with their biological sex as a form of abuse. The implications of this change are significant, as it may lead to increased legal scrutiny over medical decisions made by parents and healthcare providers regarding transgender youth. This could further polarize opinions on the treatment of transgender individuals, creating friction between familial rights and state interests in child welfare.

Summary

House Bill 3478, also known as the Save James Act, aims to amend the definitions of child abuse and neglect within Texas law, while also delineating the temporary emergency jurisdiction of a court over a child who may be subjected to certain prohibited gender transitioning or gender reassignment procedures. The bill is framed within the context of protecting children from what supporters argue to be harmful practices associated with gender transition. As such, it seeks to set forth a legal framework that enables courts to intervene in cases where children are at risk of these procedures being administered, reflecting a broader societal debate regarding the rights of minors and parental authority over their care.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HB 3478 arises from concerns expressed by various advocacy groups defending LGBTQ+ rights, who argue that the bill could marginalize transgender youth by effectively criminalizing parental support for these children's gender identities. Opponents may also contend that the bill infringes upon parental rights and the autonomy of minors, raising ethical questions about mental health support for young people exploring their gender identity. The legislative debates are likely to echo broader national discussions on similar topics, indicating a steep uphill battle for passage within a polarized political environment.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

  • Chapter 152. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction And Enforcement Act
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
    • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
    • Section: 702

Latest HB3478 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1532

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 and to the abuse of a child.

TX HB2029

Relating to the definitions of abuse and neglect of a child.

TX SB1611

Relating to the definitions of abuse and neglect of a child.

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 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 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 HB3143

Relating to the reporting requirement for certain prohibited conduct by an employee of a public school and the definitions of abuse and neglect of a child.

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.

TX HB42

Relating to the definition of child abuse.

TX HB122

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on providing to certain children procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.