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House approves measure limiting state funding for certain gender‑affirming treatments for inmates, with medical exceptions
Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 185, which restricts use of state funds and resources for elective gender‑affirming procedures for inmates while preserving medically necessary exceptions; the bill drew heated debate and a walkout by some members and passed 100‑2.
Representative Scott Hilton presented Senate Bill 185, a Department of Corrections request bill that limits the use of state funds and resources for certain gender‑affirming treatments for state inmates, with exceptions for medically necessary care. Hilton said the bill offers “clarity” for the Department of Corrections and argued taxpayers should not be expected to pay for elective procedures for inmates; the House passed the bill 100 yeas to 2 nays.
Why it matters: The bill drew sustained debate and a partial walkout by members of the minority caucus; floor remarks referenced a small number of inmates who might be affected (committee testimony cited a maximum of up to five individuals in committee discussion). Supporters emphasized lines in the bill (noted from the floor as “lines 76 through 85”) that provide exceptions for medically necessary treatment.
Debate highlights: Representative Park Cannon and other Democrats pressed sponsors on the estimated number of individuals affected and on the fiscal cost if those individuals received comprehensive care; Representative Hilton repeatedly said any tax dollar spent on elective procedures for incarcerated persons is “too much.” Minority leaders framed the debate as a diversion from other priorities and criticized the majority for spending floor time on the measure; a chairwoman’s floor speech described broader unmet needs such as rural hospitals, maternal health and food insecurity.
Vote and action: After the committee substitute and committee report were agreed to, the clerk announced final passage of SB 185 with 100 yeas and 2 nays. Sponsors said the bill includes medically necessary exceptions and was requested for clarity by the Department of Corrections.
Ending: Sponsors described the bill as fiscal stewardship for state taxpayer dollars while critics framed the item as a politicized measure and urged focus on other priorities.
