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SB 479

Transportation of minor for prohibited procedures.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tyler Johnson

SB 479 criminalizes transporting minors across state lines to obtain procedures prohibited in Indiana, raising constitutional and parental rights concerns.

Authored by Senator Johnson T
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Bill Summary · SB 479

Legislative bill overview

SB 479 would make it a crime to transport a minor across state lines for the purpose of obtaining a procedure that is prohibited in Indiana. The bill appears designed to prevent minors from traveling out of state to access medical procedures restricted under Indiana law, with criminal penalties for those who facilitate such travel.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts access to healthcare for minors and involves the intersection of state authority, parental rights, and medical autonomy. It raises questions about interstate commerce, freedom of movement, and which medical procedures the state considers "prohibited."

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's reference to "prohibited procedures" is undefined in the summary provided; it's unclear whether this targets abortion, gender-affirming care, or other medical treatments, creating uncertainty about enforcement scope
  • Constitutional challenges: Restrictions on interstate travel and medical access may face legal challenges under Commerce Clause, Due Process, and potentially other constitutional protections
  • Parental authority vs. state power: The bill raises questions about whether parents retain rights to make medical decisions for their children versus state-imposed restrictions on those choices
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Creating criminal liability for transportation raises practical questions about who can be prosecuted (parents, medical providers, transportation services, etc.) and the evidentiary burden

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

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