House Bill 26-017

This bill establishes statewide standards governing the use of student names in public schools and restricts certain medical and surgical procedures involving minors. The bill is intended to standardize student identification practices in educational settings and establish limitations on specified medical interventions involving individuals under eighteen years of age.

The legislation requires public schools to use a student’s legal name in official records, classroom rosters, and administrative communications beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. The bill permits the use of shortened versions of a legal name and recognizes name changes completed through existing legal processes. The Department of Education is directed to provide implementation guidance to ensure consistent application across school districts.

The bill also prohibits certain surgical procedures and medical treatments intended to permanently alter a minor’s sex characteristics for the purpose of gender transition, while allowing mental health counseling and medical treatments deemed necessary for diagnosed medical conditions unrelated to gender transition. Enforcement provisions include potential professional disciplinary action and authorization for civil actions seeking injunctive relief.

The purpose of the Act is to establish uniform school identification standards and regulate specified medical procedures involving minors within the state.