TX HB3478

Expands the definition of "abuse" under Texas Family Code to include causing, permitting, encouraging, or allowing medical interventions intended to affirm a child's gender perception when inconsistent with biological sex, including procedures prohibited under Health and Safety Code Section 161.702

Defines psychological or social interventions as abuse if they affirm a child's gender perception inconsistent with biological sex and are either severe/pervasive enough to harm the child's gender perception or identity, or conducted by an adult authority figure

Explicitly excludes from definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" a caregiver's refusal to affirm a child's gender perception inconsistent with biological sex, including refusal to use preferred names or pronouns, even if the name has been legally changed

Grants Texas courts temporary emergency jurisdiction when a parent or person acting as parent is present in the state and it is necessary to protect a child from receiving prohibited gender transitioning treatments or procedures

May be cited as the "Save James Act" with an effective date of September 1, 2025