2023 House Bill 470: An Act relating to the protection of children

House Bill 470 bans gender affirming healthcare to children 18 years or younger and says such treatment is "unethical and unprofessional conduct." Such treatment is subject to investigation under this legislation, and if a healthcare provider is found to have provided these services, their license is to be revoked and they are liable for any costs and damages sustained, and the same is true for any insurance company who insures a patient. HB470 classifies failure to report these services as a crime. This bill also bans public funding to be used to support gender affirming care. School counselors would not be allowed to assist students in receiving gender affirming care and would require that a school notifies a parent if a child expresses a change sex or gender identity.

KSVT strongly opposes the so-called "Do No Harm Act," because this legislation, if passed, would severely harm the health of youth across Kentucky. All students deserve to feel like they belong in their school and Kentucky, and House Bill 470 would treat those who assist a student's sense of belonging by helping them seek gender affirming care as criminals. Furthermore, it robs trans students of the safe and inclusive environment their school should provide, causing schools to be another place when trans youth are victimized and attacked for the simple act of expressing themselves.