Bill would bar Arizona health professionals from providing gender transition care to anyone under 18

The act amends section 32-3230 to bar these services and referrals for minors. It covers physicians and other health professionals and individuals under eighteen. "Gender transition procedure" includes medical or surgical services, such as puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones, meant to change or remove physical traits typical for a person's biological sex or create traits resembling a different sex. The ban does not cover services for people born with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development, services for a diagnosed disorder of sexual development confirmed by genetic or biochemical testing, treatment of infections, injuries, or disorders caused or worsened by gender transition procedures, or surgery needed because a physical disorder, injury, or illness would put the person in imminent danger of death or loss of major bodily function (as certified by a physician). The act is effective from and after March 31, 2027, a delay meant to give minors now on puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones time to taper off under a health professional's care.

The act adds licensing discipline, a private right to sue, and Attorney General enforcement. It covers health professionals, the individuals harmed by a violation, and the Attorney General. A person may seek compensatory damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or other relief, without first using administrative remedies. A person who wins a violation claim recovers reasonable attorney fees. Claims must be brought within two years of when the cause of action accrues; a minor may sue through a parent or next friend, and may sue in their own name until twenty years after turning eighteen. A claim must be brought not later than two years after the cause of action accrues, with the longer period for people who were minors.