Transgender youth, like all youth, have the best chance to thrive when they are supported and can get the doctor-prescribed medical care they need when they need it. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based and supported by medical authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. Medical decisions should rest solely with doctors, parents, and the patient - not politicians.
Despite this, there are multiple bills introduced this session that would criminalize or restrict medically necessary care for transgender youth.
About the Bills
HB 619, in its amended form, would ban gender affirming surgery for transgender youth and prohibit doctors from referring care for transgender youth to out-of-state doctors.
HB 1660 would ban Medicaid insurance plans from covering gender affirming surgeries for youth.
Bill Statuses
Status of HB 619: HB 619 was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 188-175. The bill has crossed over to the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on the bill on Thursday, April 25. Next, the committee will hold an executive session to vote on a recommendation for the bill.
Status of HB 1660: On March 7, the House passed HB 1660 in a vote of 193-169. The bill has now crossed over to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which held a public hearing for the bill on April 17. Next, the committee will hold an executive session to vote on a recommendation for the bill. There's still time to email the committee to urge them to OPPOSE the bill.
