Rep. Mayberry's bill to restrict sensitive gender-related questions to minors advances after extended debate and public testimony

Representative Mayberry introduced House Bill 16-65, saying the measure "establishes clear narrow standards for when sensitive gender related questions may be asked of minors," requires parental presence and written consent for inquiries not tied to diagnosis or treatment, and prohibits insurers from conditioning reimbursement on those questions.

Committee members pressed the sponsor about the evidence that insurers mandate such questions and about operational details. Representative McKenzie said anecdote-based bills concern her and asked whether the committee had a list of insurers requiring the questions; the sponsor said she could provide screenshots of intake screens. Legal services counsel Heather Ausbell explained the bill language "prevents a health care provider from inquiring about [gender] without parental consent" but does not explicitly stop a minor from voluntarily reporting concerns. Melody Klein, representing the Tennessee Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, testified that the bill could create ethical dilemmas for clinicians and "cause unintended harm for the children and teens of Tennessee," warning that a full blackout on gender inquiry would undermine therapeutic work.

After discussion including suggested clarifications on enforcement and severability, the subcommittee voted to move the bill to Health Full; the clerk reported "7 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present non voting." The sponsor said she will work with colleagues on language and will not put the bill on notice next week to allow for revisions.