HB 1106 passed the Texas House and Senate and is off to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. The bill modifies the Texas Family Code’s definitions of child abuse and neglect.
Under the new law, certain actions related to a child’s gender identity and sexual orientation do not constitute abuse or neglect, according to Equality Texas. Specifically, the bill adds language clarifying that a parent or guardian’s refusal to affirm a child’s perception of their gender (including not using their preferred name or pronouns) or their expressed sexual orientation is not considered child abuse or neglect.
The bill expands the existing definitions of neglect to include this specific protection, ensuring that parents cannot be accused of child abuse or neglect solely for not affirming a child’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
The new provisions aim to provide clarity around these sensitive issues in child welfare definitions, explicitly protecting parents’ ability to make decisions about how they discuss and respond to their child’s gender and sexual orientation without fear of legal repercussions.
The bill is set to take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
— David Taffet
