GUARD Act

This bill would change how federal child abuse prevention funds are given to states. A state would lose these funds if it takes action against parents or guardians who refuse gender-transition–related care or social changes (like clothing, names, or pronouns) for their minor child when the parent believes the child’s claimed gender identity doesn’t match the child’s sex at birth, even if a doctor has diagnosed gender dysphoria or another condition.

It also lets affected parents sue to stop federal funding to a state that violated this rule and to make that state return the money to the U.S. Treasury.

• Who is affected: Parents/guardians of minors, state child welfare systems, and communities relying on child abuse prevention programs.
• What changes: States that “discriminate” against parents who oppose gender-transition care or related social changes for their child would be cut off from these federal funds; parents could go to court to block funding and claw back money already awarded .
• When: The bill sets this as a condition for receiving future funding under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; enforcement would occur through lawsuits described in the bill.