S. 4426: Safeguarding The Overall Protection of Minors Act

This bill, titled the **Safeguarding The Overall Protection of Minors Act**, aims to prohibit gender transition procedures on minors, defined as individuals under the age of 18. Here are the key components of the bill:

Prohibition of Gender Transition Procedures

The bill forbids any person from knowingly performing or aiding any gender transition procedures on minors. This includes actions like:

• Hormonal treatments or surgeries intended to transition a minor's gender.
• Procedures that attempt to transform an individual's physical appearance to conform to an alternate sex.
• Any medications that block or delay puberty.

Violations of this prohibition would apply to any acting individual, their employer, or any person providing labor or services.

Definitions

Key definitions outlined in the bill include:

• Gender transition: The process of halting natural development or transforming physical characteristics to match an alternate sex.
• Gender transition procedure: Encompasses a range of hormonal, pharmaceutical, and surgical interventions aimed at altering gender characteristics.
• Detransition treatment: Treatments aimed at reversing or addressing effects of previous gender transition procedures.

Civil Penalties

The bill grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to impose significant civil penalties for violations of the prohibition outlined. The minimum fine is set at $100,000 for each violation. The Secretary can also initiate legal actions to collect these penalties.

Legal Actions and Accountability

Individuals who undergo gender transition procedures in violation of the law, or their guardians, may sue for damages, which can include:

• Compensatory damages for costs incurred in reversing the effects of such procedures.
• Non-economic damages for emotional distress.
• Punitive damages for malicious actions by providers.

Grant Program for Detransition Support

The bill proposes the establishment of a grant program to assist non-profit entities that provide services for individuals seeking to reverse gender transition procedures. These grants can fund:

• Medical advice and care for detransitioning.
• Educational support and job assistance.
• Mental health services.

Exemptions and Limitations

The law includes specific exemptions for procedures required for conditions involving disorders of sexual development or other medical necessities not related to gender transition. It also clarifies that the bill does not hold minors liable for participation in gender transition procedures.

Oversight and Monitoring

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the bill and compliance by any parties involved. If grantees do not adhere to requirements, their funding may be terminated.

Statute of Limitations

Victims of violations can initiate civil actions within 25 years from the individual’s eighteenth birthday or within 4 years of incurring costs for detransition treatment, whichever is later.

Relevant Companies

None found.