Bill > SB185

This bill amends Georgia law to establish strict limitations on medical treatments for state inmates, specifically prohibiting the use of state funds or resources for sex reassignment surgeries, hormone replacement therapies, and cosmetic procedures related to altering sexual characteristics. The bill defines a "state inmate" as an individual in the custody of the department responsible for medical care payments. While broadly restricting these treatments, the legislation creates narrow exceptions for medically necessary treatments unrelated to gender dysphoria, treatments for individuals with verified disorders of sex development or chromosomal abnormalities, treatments for partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, and continued hormone replacement therapy for inmates already receiving such treatment prior to the law's enactment. The Board of Corrections is required to develop specific rules and regulations implementing these restrictions, which aim to limit what the bill's proponents likely view as elective or non-essential medical interventions for inmates. The bill also maintains existing provisions about medical care responsibilities for inmates, including guidelines for emergency and follow-up medical services, and specifies reimbursement rates for healthcare providers. The legislation will become effective upon the Governor's approval or automatic enactment.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70386