Senate Republicans Pass Legislation to Expand Civil Liabilities for the Mutilation of Arizona Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Senate Republicans Pass Legislation to Expand Civil Liabilities

for the Mutilation of Arizona Children

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are advancing legislation to add protections and remedies into state law for children and teens who undergo gender transition procedures then later experience severe consequences into adulthood.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp, SB 1586 imposes a civil liability on health care professionals or physicians relating to gender transition procedures provided to minors. The proposal passed the Senate today, with only Republican support, and now heads to the House for consideration.

"We have heard many tragic stories about young boys and girls who have submitted to life-altering procedures to change their gender – only to experience severe repercussions later on when they mature," said Majority Leader Shamp. "While Arizona law is clear against these types of procedures, there is more we as lawmakers can do to deter physicians and providers from entertaining any of the illegal and immoral operations that are ravaging our young people. Republicans again have shown their willingness to do what is necessary to stop the harmful mutilation of our children's bodies, and we will continue to fight on behalf of our precious sons and daughters until these inhumane and ungodly practices are abolished. If there is nothing wrong with these procedures, then this policy won't apply."

If enacted into law, SB 1586 would make a health care professional or physician who provides or provided a minor with a gender transition procedure strictly and personally liable for all costs associated with the subsequent detransition procedures sought by the patient, up to 26 years of age. The bill also expands the opportunity for affected individuals – or their legal guardians – to explore civil lawsuits for prior gender transition procedures and injuries caused by these procedures. Additionally, the legislation prohibits a health care professional or physician from seeking a contractual waiver of the liability for gender transition procedures.

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov