A bill for an act relating to the rights of parents, guardians, and minors including those relating to gender transition procedure-related activities for minors, and providing effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jerome Amos and 8 co-sponsors

Bill HF 560 expands parental rights over minors' medical and personal decisions, especially regarding gender transition, allowing greater parental control and involvement.

Introduced, referred to Judiciary.

#gender #guardianships #medicalcare #minors #parents

Summary of Bill HF 560

Bill Number: HF 560
Title: A bill for an act relating to the rights of parents, guardians, and minors including those relating to gender transition procedure-related activities for minors, and providing effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.
Status: Introduced, referred to Judiciary
Introduced Date: February 24, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Gender, Guardianships, Medical Care, Minors, Parents

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 560 is to affirm and expand the rights of parents and guardians regarding decisions that affect their minor children, particularly in the context of medical care and gender transition procedures. The bill seeks to ensure that parents or guardians maintain ultimate authority over their children's medical decisions, moral upbringing, and other significant aspects of their lives.

Key Provisions

Parental Rights Affirmation:

The bill amends Section 601.1 of the Code 2025 to clarify that parents or guardians have the fundamental, constitutionally protected right to make decisions affecting their minor children. This includes:
- Medical care
- Moral upbringing
- Religious upbringing
- Residence
- Education
- Extracurricular activities
Any restrictions on these rights are subject to "strict scrutiny," meaning they must be justified by a compelling governmental interest.

Repeal of Existing Provisions:

The bill repeals Section 147.164 of the Code 2025, which previously included prohibitions related to gender transition procedure-related activities for minors. This repeal indicates a shift in the legislative approach to such procedures.

Effective Date:

The bill is designated as having immediate importance and will take effect upon enactment.

Retroactive Applicability:

The provisions of this bill will apply retroactively to March 22, 2023, affecting any relevant decisions or actions taken since that date.

Impact

Who is Affected:

The bill primarily impacts parents and guardians of minors, granting them expanded rights over medical and personal decisions for their children.
It also affects minors who may be undergoing or considering gender transition procedures, as the repeal of prohibitions may allow for greater parental involvement in these decisions.

Potential Implications:

The bill could lead to significant changes in how gender transition procedures are approached for minors, potentially increasing parental control and involvement.
It may also prompt legal challenges regarding the balance between parental rights and the rights of minors to make decisions about their own medical care.

Legislative Actions

Introduced on: February 24, 2025

Current Status: Referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of Bill HF 560, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on parents, guardians, and minors regarding medical and personal decision-making.