Bill > S442

This bill makes several changes to laws related to juvenile care and child protection, primarily focusing on gender identity and parental rights. The bill adds a new provision to state law clarifying that raising a child according to their biological sex or referring to a child by their biological sex cannot be considered child abuse or neglect. It amends adoption laws to prevent agencies from denying adoption opportunities based on prospective parents' unwillingness to support a child's gender transition. The bill also modifies child abuse statutes to explicitly state that parents or caregivers are not guilty of child abuse for raising a child consistent with their biological sex, including making related medical and mental health decisions. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that these protections do not excuse other forms of abuse or harmful treatment. The changes aim to protect parents from potential child abuse allegations related to gender identity issues, with most provisions becoming effective immediately or by July 1, 2025. The bill uses the term "biological sex" to refer to a child's sex assigned at birth and seeks to limit interventions or transitions related to gender identity for minors.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S442