H.R. 7651 · In committee · Law

Chloe Cole Act of 2026

What it does

Creates a private right of action allowing individuals subjected to covered interventions as children, or their parents or legal guardians, to sue in federal district court for damages against health care professionals, hospitals, or clinics who participate in such interventions.
Defines covered interventions as the provision of puberty blockers, sex hormones, or surgical procedures with the intent to delay, halt, or alter the natural development or appearance of a child's body to no longer correspond to the child's sex.
Permits recovery of compensatory damages for economic harm associated with undoing or correcting the effects of a covered intervention, non-economic damages for emotional distress and pain and suffering, and punitive damages if proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted maliciously.
Establishes strict liability for health care professionals, hospitals, or clinics whose participation in a covered intervention on a child after enactment is proven by clear and convincing evidence, with the defendant bearing the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that a statutory exception applies.
Excludes from the definition of covered intervention procedures to treat verifiable disorders of sexual development, treatments for infections or injuries caused by prior covered interventions, and interventions for diagnosed medical conditions affecting major organ systems or acute illnesses.

Jul 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 8.

Committee: House Judiciary