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HB 3478

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by David Lowe

Expands child abuse/neglect definitions to include gender-related medical treatments for minors and grants courts emergency jurisdiction to intervene in such cases.

Referred to s/c on Family & Fiduciary Relationships by Speaker
#childabuse(s4256) #criminalprocedure--sentencing&punishment(i0205) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--parent&child(i0355) #genderidentity&expression(s0767) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #savejamesact(pk3s1)
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Bill Summary · HB 3478

Legislative bill overview

HB 3478 proposes to expand Texas's legal definitions of child abuse and neglect to include providing certain gender-related medical procedures or treatments to minors. The bill would also grant courts temporary emergency jurisdiction to intervene in cases where children are perceived to be at risk of receiving such treatments.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects how Texas child protective services investigate families, potentially opening new pathways for state intervention in medical decisions. It also raises significant questions about parental rights, medical autonomy, and which treatments fall under the bill's scope—issues with substantial consequences for transgender youth, their families, and healthcare providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical definition ambiguity: The bill references "certain prohibited gender transitioning or gender reassignment procedures" but the specific treatments covered aren't detailed in the summary, creating uncertainty about enforcement scope and what constitutes abuse under the law.
  • Parental rights vs. state authority: Tension exists between parents' traditional medical decision-making authority and expanded state power to intervene based on gender-related care choices.
  • Healthcare provider liability: Medical professionals may face legal exposure and reporting obligations, potentially chilling access to evidence-based treatments and creating conflicts with professional medical standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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