What does Preamble of STOP Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To prohibit gender transition procedures on minors, to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties on persons who perform gender transition procedures on minors, and for other purposes,' aims to prohibit gender transition procedures on minors. The bill would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties on individuals who perform gender transition procedures on minors. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 29, 2026, by Mrs. Harshbarger, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Stutzman, and Mrs. Miller of Illinois.

What does SHORT TITLE. of STOP Act do?

This bill is formally titled Safeguarding The Overall Protection of Minors Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of STOP Act do?

This section defines several terms used throughout the Act. “Caretaker” is defined as an adult who is not a parent and provides care, maintenance, and supervision to a child. “Detransition treatment” refers to treatments that either reverse the effects of a gender transition procedure or help an individual cope with those effects. “Female” is defined as an individual with a reproductive system that produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization. “Gender transition” is defined as a process involving social, legal, or physical changes, potentially halting natural development or transforming physical appearance. “Gender transition procedure” includes hormonal, pharmaceutical, or surgical interventions for gender transition, with a detailed list of specific procedures. Certain services are excluded from the definition of “gender transition procedure,” including those related to disorders of sex development, genetic testing, infection treatment, and procedures to restore the body to its original sex. “Male” is defined as an individual with a reproductive system that produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertilization. “Minor” is defined as an individual under the age of 18. “Sex” is defined as an individual’s immutable biological classification as male or female, as biologically determined.

What does GENDER TRANSITION PROCEDURES ON MINORS. of STOP Act do?

This section prohibits individuals from performing, attempting to perform, conspiring to perform, or aiding or abetting gender transition procedures on minors in certain circumstances. These circumstances involve interstate or foreign commerce, including travel, use of commerce facilities, financial transactions, and communication. The prohibition applies to employers if an employee violates the law within the scope of their employment, making the employer also liable. The Secretary can impose civil monetary penalties of at least $100,000 per violation, considering the nature and circumstances of the violation and the violator's culpability. Individuals who have undergone gender transition procedures in violation of this section, or their parents/guardians, may bring a private civil action for damages, including compensatory, non-economic, and punitive damages. The Secretary may impose a civil penalty on anyone obstructing an investigation into alleged violations. The Act clarifies that ambiguities in proceedings will be resolved against those found in violation. The Act states that it does not waive liability for health care professionals and does not establish a private right of action based on counseling or discussions of treatment options that do not constitute participation in a gender transition procedure. A statute of limitations of 25 years from the individual's eighteenth birthday or 4 years from the cost of detransition treatment, whichever is later, applies to private civil actions.

What does OPENING AVENUES FOR VICTIMS. of STOP Act do?

This section establishes a grant program to support individuals seeking to reverse gender transition procedures. Eligible entities for grants must be private nonprofit organizations that do not perform or counsel in favor of gender transition procedures or abortions (with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions). Grant funds must be used to provide information and referrals for medical advice to reverse gender transition, education and employment assistance, and mental health services. Recipients must submit deidentified data to the Secretary and adhere to privacy requirements comparable to HIPAA. Funds cannot be used for gender transition procedures or abortions, with similar exceptions as noted above. The Secretary will monitor grant programs to ensure adherence to the stated purpose and requirements.

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STOP Act

Last updated: 4/29/2026 · Introduced: 4/29/2026

Author: Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits individuals from performing gender transition procedures on minors, including hormonal, pharmaceutical, or surgical interventions, when those actions involve interstate or foreign commerce.
The bill establishes a grant program to fund private nonprofit organizations that provide support services, such as medical advice, education, employment assistance, and mental health services, to individuals seeking to reverse gender transition procedures.
Individuals who violate the prohibition on gender transition procedures for minors may face civil monetary penalties of at least $100,000, and may also be subject to private civil actions for damages.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4426(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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