TX
Texas House Bill HB4624

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4624

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

Caption

Relating to gender modification procedures and treatments for certain minors; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, could significantly affect the landscape of healthcare regarding gender identity treatments for minors in Texas. It is designed to create a legal boundary that would limit access to gender modification treatments, predominantly affecting transgender and non-binary youth seeking medical intervention. The law stipulates that procedures that began before September 1, 2023, can continue under certain conditions, preventing abrupt discontinuation of treatments already in progress. Consequently, this legislation would profoundly influence healthcare practices, parental rights, and the abilities of healthcare providers operating in the state to address the needs of minors experiencing gender dysphoria or related issues.

Summary

House Bill 4624, titled 'Relating to gender modification procedures and treatments for certain minors; providing a civil penalty,' seeks to impose strict regulations on gender modification procedures for minors under 18 years of age in Texas. The bill prohibits healthcare providers from performing any gender modification procedures or treatments on minors, with certain exceptions. It outlines that violations could lead to civil penalties and lawsuits against healthcare providers and possibly the minors’ parents or guardians who consent to such treatments. The proposed regulations are cemented in the Health and Safety Code, creating a legal framework that emphasizes parental responsibility and accountability regarding consent for minors undergoing these procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 4624 is highly divided among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects minors from potentially harmful medical interventions that they may not fully understand, emphasizing the need for caution and parental guidance in medical decisions. Supporters view it as a necessary measure to safeguard children and uphold traditional norms regarding gender identity. Conversely, opponents contend that the bill infringes on the rights of minors to receive necessary medical care and undermines the autonomy of families and healthcare providers. They assert that this legislation could exacerbate mental health issues among transgender youth by denying them access to affirming care and support.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 4624 is its perceived infringement on the rights and autonomy of minors and their families regarding healthcare decisions. Advocates for transgender rights argue that the bill disregards the complexities of gender identity and the importance of medical support for youth navigating these issues. In contrast, supporters believe that the legislation is an essential step towards responsible medical oversight in cases where minors are involved. Discussions around the bill have revealed deep societal divisions over gender identity, parental rights, and healthcare practices, indicating that its implementation would likely have lasting implications on the state’s approach to both healthcare and youth rights.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Latest HB4624 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3399

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

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.

TX HB1301

Prohibiting medical gender transitioning procedures on a minor; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

TX SF129

A bill for an act relating to actions relative to treatment or intervention regarding the discordance between a minor's sex and gender identity, and providing civil penalties.

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 SB843

Prohibiting minor medical procedures that cause permanent and irreparable damage due to certain sex transitioning procedures; prescribing penalties; and establishing a private right of action.

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 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 HB1399

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.

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