Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB14

Filed
3/8/23  
Out of Senate Committee
3/22/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/4/23  
Out of House Committee
5/8/23  
Voted on by House
5/15/23  
Governor Action
6/2/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill imposes significant restrictions on medical providers concerning the treatment of transgender minors, leading to substantial changes in how healthcare is provided to this demographic in Texas. It forbids the utilization of public funds for any prohibited treatments and declares that any similar procedures would not be reimbursed by Medicaid or child health programs. Moreover, violators of this law may face severe penalties, including the revocation of medical licenses, thereby reshaping the legal landscape surrounding gender-affirming care.

Summary

Senate Bill 14, introduced by Senator Campbell, aims to prohibit certain medical procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria in minors under 18 years of age. The bill specifically disallows the provision of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, surgeries like hysterectomy and castration, and any procedures that would facilitate a change in a child's biological sex. This legislative move is argued to be a measure to protect children from what the supporters call harmful medical interventions and a stance against what they perceive to be inappropriate medical practices for minors.

Sentiment

The public and legislative sentiments surrounding SB 14 are deeply polarized. Supporters, primarily conservative members of the legislature and advocacy groups, assert that it is a necessary step for safeguarding minors from irreversible medical decisions they may regret later. Conversely, opponents, including medical professionals and civil rights advocates, argue that the bill represents discrimination against transgender individuals, restricts access to necessary medical care, and undermines parental rights to make healthcare decisions for their children. The debate reflects a broader national conversation regarding gender identity and healthcare ethics.

Contention

The contentious nature of SB 14 arises from the fundamental disagreement over how to best handle gender-affirming treatment for minors. Critics view the bill as an overreach of government power into personal healthcare decisions, effectively denying transgender youth access to care that many healthcare professionals deem essential for mental and physical health. While the bill includes exceptions for specific medical conditions, the general prohibition stands as a significant challenge to the autonomy of both medical professionals and families in making healthcare decisions for children and adolescents.

Companion Bills

TX HB1686

Identical 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

Same As 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

Same As 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.

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 HB3431

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of gender transitioning or reassignment procedures and treatments and gender-affirming therapy and counseling; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB753

Relating to prohibiting certain conduct by physicians and health care providers involving gender transitioning and gender reassignment procedures and treatments for children; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4710

Relating to traveling with a child to facilitate the provision of certain gender transitioning or gender reassignment procedures or treatments to that child; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3478

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.

TX SF744

Therapies and procedures performed for the treatment of gender dysphoria in minors prohibition

TX HB2072

Allowing healthcare workers to refuse to perform procedures related to sex reassignment or gender identity transitioning for religious or conscientious objection

TX SB115

Relating to civil liability for, governmental health plan coverage of, and public funding for gender modification procedures and treatments.

TX SB0289

Health: other; gender reassignment procedures or treatment for minors; prohibit. Creates new act.

TX HB4467

Health: other; gender reassignment procedures or treatment for minors; prohibit. Creates new act.

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