Section 1

Enacts new GS 7B-102 prohibiting subjecting a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker who raises a juvenile consistent with the juvenile's biological sex, or who refers to a juvenile consistent with the juvenile's biological sex, to a petition supporting abuse or neglect that is based solely on those acts. Specifies that this does not authorize or allow any other acts or omissions already prohibited that would constitute abuse or neglect, including abandonment or the creation of an injurious environment. Makes conforming changes to the title of Article 1.

Amends GS 48-3-203 by prohibiting delaying or denying the opportunity to become an adoptive parent or the placement of a child for adoption because of the adoptive parents’ refusal, unwillingness, or lack of support to enable the child to engage in a gender transition.

Amends GS 131D-10.1, the Foster Care Children’s Bill of Rights, by amending the provision promoting a safe foster home free of violence, abuse, neglect, and danger by adding that raising a child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex, including any related mental health or medical decisions, is not a violation under this subdivision of violence, abuse, neglect, or danger, as those terms are being used. Also prohibits delaying or denying the opportunity to become a foster parent or the placement of a child in foster care because of the adoptive (appears to intend foster) parents’ refusal, unwillingness, or lack of support to enable the child to engage in a gender transition.

Applies to petitions filed on or after December 1, 2025.

Section 2

Amends GS 14-318.2 (misdemeanor child abuse) and GS 14-318.4 (felony child abuse) by adding that a parent of a child less than 16 years old, or any other person providing care to or supervision of the child, is not guilty of a violation of these statutes for raising a child consistent with the child's biological sex, including referring to a child consistent with the child's biological sex, and making related mental health or medical decisions based on the child's biological sex. Specifies that this does not authorize or allow any other acts or omissions that would constitute a violation under these statutes, including the infliction of serious physical injury or the creation of a substantial risk of physical injury. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.