AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 4; Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to health care.
Impact
The implications of HB 754 on state law are significant, particularly concerning the rights of minors regarding mental health therapy related to gender identity. The bill clarifies that counties or municipalities cannot prohibit parents from consenting to therapies that address inconsistencies between a minor's assigned sex at birth and their perceived gender. By positioning state law over local regulations, it aims to establish a standardized approach to gender-related healthcare across Tennessee.
Summary
House Bill 754 seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly addressing healthcare in relation to gender transition and detransition procedures. The bill mandates that any insurance policy offering coverage for gender transition procedures must also include coverage for procedures aimed at detransitioning. This includes comprehensive reporting requirements for healthcare entities involved in gender transition treatments. The goal is to ensure that insurance providers are accountable for both types of procedures while providing the Department of Health with necessary data for monitoring purposes.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 754, particularly from those who advocate for expanded rights regarding gender identity and healthcare choices for minors. Critics argue that the bill may inhibit critical mental health support for minors exploring their gender identity by imposing restrictive regulations on the availability of therapies. Proponents believe that these measures ensure responsible care and transparency within healthcare practices related to gender transition and detransition, thereby protecting the interests of minors that may be subjected to irreversible procedures without appropriate oversight.
Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the courthouse security fund or the municipal court building security fund; increasing fees.