Bill > SB63

This bill, known as the "Help Not Harm Act", aims to restrict gender-affirming medical treatments for children under 18 in Kansas. The bill prohibits healthcare providers from performing specific surgical procedures or prescribing certain medications to children whose perceived gender identity differs from their biological sex, including puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and gender confirmation surgeries. The legislation also prevents state funds from being used to subsidize or promote such treatments, bars state facilities from providing these services, and restricts state employees from advocating for social transitioning or gender-affirming care for children. Additionally, the bill creates significant legal consequences for healthcare providers who perform these treatments, including mandatory license revocation, potential civil liability, and a 10-year window during which patients can sue for damages. The bill allows exceptions only for treating medical disorders of sex development or addressing infections or injuries caused by previous treatments. Healthcare providers who have already initiated hormone treatments for children prior to the act's effective date may continue treatment under specific conditions, with a deadline of December 31, 2025. Professional liability insurance would also be prohibited from covering damages related to these treatments, effectively creating substantial financial risk for healthcare providers who offer such care.