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HB 1668

TO CREATE THE VULNERABLE YOUTH PROTECTION ACT; AND TO AUTHORIZE A CIVIL ACTION FOR SOCIAL TRANSITIONING AND CASTRATION, STERILIZATION, OR MUTILATION OF A MINOR.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1668 aimed to protect minors by allowing civil actions against those involved in gender transition procedures, imposing hefty damages for harm caused.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1668

Summary of House Bill 1668: Vulnerable Youth Protection Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1668
Title: To Create the Vulnerable Youth Protection Act; and to Authorize a Civil Action for Social Transitioning and Castration, Sterilization, or Mutilation of a Minor
Status: Withdrawn by Author
Introduced: March 4, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1668 aimed to establish the Vulnerable Youth Protection Act, which sought to create a legal framework for civil actions against individuals or entities involved in the social transitioning, castration, sterilization, or mutilation of minors. The bill was designed to protect minors from what the authors considered harmful medical procedures related to gender identity.

Key Provisions

The bill included several significant provisions:

  1. Definitions:

    • Castration, sterilization, or mutilation: Defined as procedures prohibited under existing law, with specific exclusions.
    • Social transitioning: Defined as actions where a minor adopts a gender identity different from their biological sex.

  2. Civil Liability:

    • Individuals who knowingly cause or contribute to the social transitioning or the aforementioned procedures could be held jointly and severally liable for any resulting harm.
    • The bill specified that liability could not be avoided through claims of ignorance or reliance on prior court decisions.

  3. Damages:

    • Successful plaintiffs could recover:
      • Nominal damages
      • Compensatory damages
      • Statutory damages of at least $10,000 from each defendant
      • Punitive damages of at least $10 million if irreversible harm occurred
      • Court costs and attorney fees

  4. Enforcement:

    • The act would be enforced exclusively through private civil actions, with no involvement from state or local authorities in enforcement.

  5. Timeframe for Actions:

    • Plaintiffs would have up to 20 years from the date of the incident to file a civil action.

  6. Limitations on Defenses:

    • The bill outlined various defenses that could not be used in court, including ignorance of the law and consent of the minor.

Impact

If enacted, the Vulnerable Youth Protection Act would have primarily affected healthcare providers, parents, and minors seeking gender-affirming care. It aimed to create a legal environment where individuals could pursue significant damages against those involved in gender transition procedures for minors.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 4, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 19, 2025: The bill was placed on second reading, amended, and reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 1, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1668 was withdrawn and did not proceed to enactment, it represented a significant legislative effort to address issues surrounding gender identity and medical procedures for minors. The proposed provisions indicated a strong stance on protecting minors from certain medical interventions, reflecting ongoing debates in society regarding youth and gender identity.

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

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