House adopts conference report banning puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors starting 2026, amid emotional debate

The New Hampshire House adopted the committee of conference report on House Bill 3 77, which restricts the prescription of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to minors effective January 1, 2026, and includes related reporting changes, after extended floor debate and a roll-call vote.

Why it matters: Supporters described the measure as protecting minors from irreversible medical decisions; opponents called it discriminatory, argued it removes access to life‑saving care and highlighted personal and medical testimony opposing a ban.

Representative McDonald moved adoption of the committee report. Opponents repeatedly urged rejection. Representative Wade described a private conversation with a middle-school trans youth and said the bill would delay or deny treatment that she and the child's parent considered important: "If this bill passes, her child wouldn't be able to begin therapy for years because she's a few months too young to start treatment before this arbitrary deadline." Wade said parents and clinicians should make these decisions.

Supporters pointed to legal and evidentiary arguments. Representative Mazur referenced recent court decisions and the addition of a private right of action in the conference report: "The other body amended the bill... to allow health care providers to continue any treatments that were initiated prior to 01/01/2026 and recognize the second Thursday in October as Children's Environmental Health Day" and argued the Supreme Court decision supports state regulation of such care for minors.

The transcript records vigorous back-and-forth about evidence, safety and rights. Representative Weber said, "If I pay attention to the years and years of medical evidence... gender affirming care saves lives," while opponents cited risks and called for stronger protections and legal accountability for providers.

Procedure and votes: The floor proceeded to a roll-call vote on the committee report. The transcript records the final roll-call result as recorded on the floor: "All members present had an opportunity to vote. House will tend to state of the vote. 202 voting nay, a 161 voting nay, committee report is adopted." (The transcript's recorded parlance reflects the floor announcer's phrasing; the measure was announced as adopted.)

What lawmakers said and clarified: Debate featured personal testimony, references to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Scrimetti (transcript spelled variably) discussion, and discussion of transition‑related services access for minors and adults. Supporters stressed added reporting requirements and a private cause of action in the amended text; opponents emphasized that gender-affirming care is life-saving and should be decided by parents and medical professionals.

What’s next: The adopted conference report will proceed according to the legislative process. The transcript contains multiple motions to have remarks entered into the permanent journal and several members asked that floor debate be printed for the record.