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Subcommittee advances bill giving AG authority to sue over prohibited gender‑reassignment care for minors amid intense public testimony
Summary
Rep. Mello’s HB 743 would let the attorney general bring civil actions and extend criminal exposure for aiding/abetting prohibited gender‑reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors; the committee adopted an amendment narrowing AG authority to prohibited prescriptions/procedures and reported the bill favorably as amended (12‑5) after extensive public testimony both opposing and supporting it.
Rep. Mello told the committee HB 743 would authorize the attorney general to initiate civil suits and seek damages and penalties when a health‑care practitioner violates Florida’s ban on gender‑reassignment care for minors, and that proceeds secured would be allocated for the benefit of affected minors. The bill also makes aiding and abetting such care a third‑degree felony, the sponsor said.
The committee heard robust public testimony. Opponents — including Equality Florida, medical and health‑care practitioners, behavioral‑health professionals and parents — warned the aid‑and‑abet language was vague, could chill routine care or referrals, and would politicize enforcement by shifting matters to the attorney general instead of professional boards. John Harris Mower of Equality Florida said the bill “weaponizes the attorney general's office to harass doctors, nurses, and anyone who provides care to LGBTQ youth.”
Supporters and other witnesses, including faith‑based and parental‑rights groups, urged stricter enforcement and called for penalties for providers they alleged were committing fraud. Anthony Verdugo of the Christian Family Coalition said the bill “protects children” and sought civil penalties for violations.
Rep. Mello offered an amendment clarifying that the attorney general may investigate and bring civil action only where an alleged violation relates to prohibited reassignment prescriptions or procedures and that lawful reassignment prescriptions/procedures are excepted; the amendment was adopted. After extensive debate and public comment, the committee voted HB 743 favorably as amended (12 yeas, 5 nays).
Why it matters: The measure would give the statewide elected attorney general an enforcement role in policing alleged violations of the state's ban on gender‑affirming care for minors. Supporters framed the bill as closing fraud and enforcement gaps; opponents said it overreaches, risks chilling care and substitutes political enforcement for professional discipline.
The bill will proceed with the adopted amendment; proponents and critics both said they expect further amendments in later committee stops.
