AR SB199

Creates civil liability for healthcare professionals who perform gender transition procedures on minors, allowing minors or their representatives to sue for physical, psychological, emotional, or physiological injuries, with claims limited to 15 years after the minor turns 18.

Establishes a "safe harbor" defense if the healthcare professional documented 2 continuous years of gender dysphoria, obtained written certification from at least 2 healthcare professionals (including 1 mental health professional) that the procedure was necessary and the minor had no other mental health concerns, and obtained voluntary informed consent.

Requires mandatory verbal and written notice in 14-point font provided at least 30 days before treatment and at every subsequent visit for 6 months, containing specific language about risks including sterilization, bone density loss, blood clots, strokes, cancer, and other health complications associated with puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures.

Exempts from the definition of "gender transition procedure" treatments for medically verifiable disorders of sex development, treatment of infections or injuries caused by prior gender transition procedures, and procedures necessary to prevent imminent danger of death or major bodily function impairment.

Protects healthcare professionals from being required by state law to perform gender transition procedures.