Bill > HB3616

This bill prohibits employees of public schools, governmental entities, and health care facilities from providing assistance or information to minors regarding "social transitioning" - defined as a transition from a person's biological sex assigned at birth to an alternative gender identity through changes in name, pronouns, clothing, or hairstyles. The bill requires school district boards of trustees to adopt policies mandating that employees who become aware of a minor's social transitioning must notify the minor's parent or guardian. For public schools, if a violation is found, the school could have its state funding withheld. For health care facilities, employees who violate the prohibition could face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and potential loss of professional licenses. The bill applies to both traditional public schools and open-enrollment charter schools, and extends to all governmental entities. Employees would receive a formal warning for a first violation and could be terminated for subsequent violations. The provisions will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with the entire act becoming effective on September 1, 2025. The bill aims to restrict support for gender transition-related activities among minors across various public institutions in Texas.