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Bill

SB 116

Relating to the statute of limitations on a health care liability claim involving certain gender modification drugs provided to and procedures performed on a minor.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill extends legal filing deadlines for lawsuits alleging harm from gender-affirming medical care given to minors, increasing healthcare provider liability exposure.

Referred to State Affairs
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #genderidentity&expression(s0767) #medicine&prescriptiondrugs(s7338) #malpractice--professionals(i0525) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #statutesoflimitations(s0065)
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Bill Summary · SB 116

Legislative bill overview

SB 116 extends the statute of limitations for health care liability claims related to gender-affirming medical treatments and procedures provided to minors in Texas. The bill allows patients or their guardians to file lawsuits for alleged harms from these interventions within an expanded timeframe, rather than the standard statute of limitations that would otherwise apply.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts both medical liability law and access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. It could significantly increase legal exposure for healthcare providers offering these treatments, potentially affecting treatment availability, insurance costs, and medical decision-making. The issue intersects contentious debates about parental rights, medical autonomy, and the appropriate role of government in healthcare decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical provider liability and practice: Extended liability windows may discourage physicians from providing these services, potentially limiting treatment access or increasing malpractice insurance costs that get passed to patients
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's specific language regarding which drugs and procedures are covered remains unclear from the summary, creating uncertainty about its actual reach
  • Competing rights frameworks: Tension between protecting minors from potentially harmful medical decisions and respecting family medical decision-making authority and transgender youth autonomy

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

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