Bill Summaries: H502 GENDER-AFFIRMING RIGHTS ACT.

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  • Summary date: Mar 24 2025 - View Summary

    Repeals Article 1N of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes (Gender Transition Procedures on Minors) and GS 143C-6-5.5 limiting the use of state funds for abortions (may intend GS 143C-6-5.6 which limits the use of state funds for gender transition procedures).

    Adds new Article to Chapter 90, Article 1O, which adds GS 90-21.160 titling the Article the Gender-Affirming Rights Act.

    Adds GS 90-21.161, defining gender-affirming care as any service or product prescribed or provided by a health care professional to someone to support and affirm their gender identity. Clarifies that this includes treatment for gender dysphoria and that gender-affirming treatment can be prescribed to Two Spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender diverse individuals. Defines health care professional as one licensed or certified under Chapter 90 or 90B who provides face-to-face healthcare or telehealth services to patients in this state. Defines LGBTQ as individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, queer, or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

    Adds GS 90-21.162, providing legislative findings pertaining to individual fundamental rights to make autonomous decisions about one’s own gender and related gender-affirming health care and that the state constitution guarantees all persons are created equal.

    Adds GS 90-21.163, prohibiting a local government unit or other state political subdivisions from regulating an individual’s right to freely exercise their fundamental rights in a more restrictive way than this Article.

    Adds GS 90-21.164, requiring health care professionals licensed under Chapter 90 or 90B to take additional continuing education or professional development hours of instruction on cultural competency or specialized clinical training focusing on LGBTQ patients. Sets out required information and skills to be taught in these continuing education classes.