MT
Montana Senate Bill SB99

Montana 2023 Regular Session

Montana Senate Bill SB99

Introduced
1/3/23  
Refer
1/3/23  
Refer
1/4/23  
Engrossed
2/9/23  
Refer
3/11/23  
Enrolled
3/29/23  
Enrolled
4/20/23  

Caption

Provide for a youth health protection act

Impact

The implementation of SB 99 is expected to significantly alter healthcare practices regarding the treatment of minors with gender dysphoria in Montana. It prohibits any professional healthcare activities related to hormone treatments or surgeries aimed at transitioning genders. This move has sweeping implications on the field of pediatric medicine, as it limits the available options for treatment of gender identity issues. By removing insurance coverage and state reimbursements for these kinds of procedures, the bill effectively restricts access to gender-affirming care, which is often cited as critical for the mental health and well-being of affected youth.

Summary

Senate Bill 99, titled the 'Youth Health Protection Act', is legislation aimed at prohibiting certain medical and surgical treatments for minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The bill specifically disallows surgeries and hormone therapies which are intended to align a minor's physical characteristics with their perceived gender. The legislation seeks to provide enhanced protection to minors from treatments deemed harmful or experimental prior to reaching adulthood. The restrictions apply to both public and private healthcare providers, asserting that public funds cannot be used for such interventions under this act.

Sentiment

Reactions to SB 99 are deeply polarized. Proponents argue it serves to protect vulnerable youth from what they categorize as experimental and potentially harmful medical practices. They emphasize a need for safeguarding minors from irreversible medical interventions. Conversely, opponents of the bill express concerns that it undermines the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their own bodies. Mental health professionals and LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the bill poses a risk to the mental health of minors who may feel unsupported or restricted in their gender identity explorations.

Contention

Notable contentions surrounding SB 99 involve the balance between protecting minors and allowing families the autonomy to decide on medical care options. Critics argue that this legislation infringes on parental rights and professional discretion, potentially leading to adverse psychological effects in minors denied necessary treatments. The bill also introduces penalties for professionals who violate its provisions, establishing a controversial precedent for state involvement in personal medical decisions. Ultimately, the bill reflects a growing societal debate over gender identity issues and the appropriate role of medical professionals and government in the treatment of minors.

Latest SB99 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

KS SB63

Enacting the help not harm act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare providers from providing gender transition care to children whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, requiring professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment, prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians.

KS SB233

House Substitute for SB 233 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Enacting the forbidding abuse child transitions act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare providers from treating children whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, requiring professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment, prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians and nurses.

KS HB2071

Enacting the help not harm act to restrict the use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibit healthcare providers from providing gender transition whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorize a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, require professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment and prohibit professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians.

WV SB692

Relating to gender reassignment medical services for minors

IA HSB214

A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 623.)

IA SSB1197

A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See SF 538.)

IA HF623

A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 214.)

IA SF538

A bill for an act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1197.) Effective date: 03/22/2023. Contingent applicability date.