✅Relating to the definitions of child abuse and neglect.

HB 1106

✅ HB 1106: Protecting Parental Rights in Gender-Affirming Care Disputes

What it says it does:
HB 1106 clarifies that a parent, guardian, or caregiver who does not affirm a child’s gender identity, pronouns, or sexual orientation cannot be accused of abuse or neglect on that basis alone.

What it actually changes:
It amends the Family Code to exclude refusal to affirm gender identity or expression from the definitions of abuse and neglect. CPS cannot open or continue a case solely for that reason, though all other forms of harm remain covered.

Who is pushing for it:
Supported in the files by Texas Values, Texas Eagle Forum, and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. Authored by Rep. Matt Shaheen with Senate sponsorship from Sen. Hall.

Who benefits:
Parents and guardians gain clear protection from child welfare investigations tied to disagreements over gender-affirming care. CPS caseworkers gain defined boundaries for what counts as abuse under state law.

Who gets left out or exposed:
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and minors seeking state protection for identity-related conflict lose a potential claim basis under child welfare law. Opponents listed in files include ACLU of Texas, Equality Texas, and Texas Freedom Network.

Why this matters long term:
It establishes a precedent that narrows CPS authority through specific statutory exclusions. Future legislatures may apply this model to other contested family or medical issues.

What to watch next:
Expect follow-up debates on how CPS applies these limits in real investigations, and whether courts interpret “solely” as a strict or flexible threshold for mixed claims of harm.

Bottom line:
HB 1106 is a narrowly written, single-focus bill that closes a legal loophole and restores clear parental control without expanding state reach or adding carveouts. It’s a strong example of targeted lawmaking that avoids overreach while reinforcing family autonomy.

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