S442 - Parents Protection Act. (SL 2025-59)
Session Year 2025
Overview: S.L. 2025-59 (Senate Bill 442) makes the following changes to laws pertaining to the adoption and care of children:
- Provides that a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker who raises or refers to a child consistent with the child's biological sex is not subject to a petition alleging abuse or neglect based on those acts only. This limitation cannot be construed to authorize or allow any other act or omission that would constitute child abuse or neglect. This section of the act became effective July 3, 2025, and applies to petitions filed before, on, or after that date.
- Prohibits an adoption agency from denying or delaying the opportunity to become an adoptive parent or the placement of a child for adoption because of an adoptive parent's refusal, unwillingness, or lack of support to enable the child to engage in gender transition. This section of the act became effective July 3, 2025, and applies to petitions and placements for adoption and opportunities to become an adoptive parent requested, filed, or submitted before, on, or after that date.
- Provides that a parent or other person providing care or supervision of a child less than 18 years old who is raising or referring to the child consistent with the child's biological sex would not be guilty of misdemeanor or felony child abuse. This section of the act became effective July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on, before, or after that date.
- Provides that serious mental injury does not include a parent raising a child consistent with the child's biological sex. This section of the act became effective July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on, before, or after that date.