Legis Daily

Protect Children’s Innocence Act

USA119th CongressHR-3492| House 
| Updated: 12/18/2025
Marjorie Taylor Greene

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican Representative

Georgia

Cosponsors (44)
Diana Harshbarger (Republican)Paul A. Gosar (Republican)Barry Moore (Republican)David Kustoff (Republican)Clay Higgins (Republican)Ashley Hinson (Republican)Andy Harris (Republican)Elijah Crane (Republican)Lance Gooden (Republican)Mike Collins (Republican)Stephanie I. Bice (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)Andrew Ogles (Republican)William R. Timmons (Republican)Andy Biggs (Republican)Brandon Gill (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Michael A. Rulli (Republican)Anna Paulina Luna (Republican)Ronny Jackson (Republican)James R. Baird (Republican)Brad Finstad (Republican)Glenn Grothman (Republican)Troy E. Nehls (Republican)W. Gregory Steube (Republican)James Comer (Republican)Harriet M. Hageman (Republican)Gary J. Palmer (Republican)Mary E. Miller (Republican)Addison P. McDowell (Republican)Riley M. Moore (Republican)Dan Crenshaw (Republican)Max L. Miller (Republican)John J. McGuire (Republican)Kevin Hern (Republican)Burgess Owens (Republican)Randy K. Sr. Weber (Republican)Monica De La Cruz (Republican)Ralph Norman (Republican)Andrew S. Clyde (Republican)Josh Brecheen (Republican)Brian Babin (Republican)Michael Guest (Republican)Eric Burlison (Republican)

Judiciary Committee, Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Protect Children's Innocence Act," significantly amends section 116 of title 18, United States Code, to establish federal prohibitions against certain medical procedures performed on minors. It specifically targets genital and bodily mutilation and chemical castration of individuals under 18 years of age, making such acts federal crimes punishable by fines and up to 10 years imprisonment. The legislation broadly defines "genital or bodily mutilation" to include female genital mutilation (FGM) and a wide range of surgeries intended to alter a minor's body to align with a sex different from their biological sex. These procedures encompass, but are not limited to, castration, hysterectomy, mastectomy, phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, and certain facial or body contouring surgeries. Similarly, "chemical castration" is defined as administering medications like puberty blockers, supraphysiologic testosterone to biological females, or supraphysiologic estrogen to biological males, when done for the purpose of changing a minor's biological sex. The bill establishes federal jurisdiction over these offenses if they involve interstate or foreign commerce, or occur within U.S. special maritime and territorial jurisdiction. It explicitly states that religious, customary, or traditional practices are not a defense for FGM, and victims cannot be prosecuted. Crucially, the bill includes specific exceptions for procedures deemed necessary to the health of the minor and performed by a licensed medical practitioner. However, the definition of "health of a minor" explicitly excludes mental, behavioral, or emotional distress or disorders. Additional exemptions are provided for individuals with intersex conditions, those requiring treatment for complications from prior procedures, those in imminent danger of major bodily function impairment, or minors diagnosed with precocious puberty for normalization purposes.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
4 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8731
Protect Children’s Innocence Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1399
Protect Children’s Innocence Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5636
Protect Children’s Innocence Act
May 19, 2025
Introduced in House
May 19, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jun 10, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jun 10, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 10.
Sep 26, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 265.
Sep 26, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-311.
Dec 17, 2025
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 953 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec 17, 2025
Rule H. Res. 953 passed House.
Dec 17, 2025
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 953. (consideration: CR H5992-6000)
Dec 17, 2025
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec 17, 2025
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3492.
Dec 17, 2025
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Dec 17, 2025
Ms. Balint moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5999-6000)
Dec 17, 2025
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Dec 17, 2025
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3492, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Balint demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Dec 17, 2025
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6008-6009)
Dec 17, 2025
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 218 (Roll no. 350).
View Vote
Dec 17, 2025
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 351). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5992-5993)
View Vote
Dec 17, 2025
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 18, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8731
    Protect Children’s Innocence Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1399
    Protect Children’s Innocence Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5636
    Protect Children’s Innocence Act


  • May 19, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • May 19, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


  • June 10, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • June 10, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 10.


  • September 26, 2025
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 265.


  • September 26, 2025
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-311.


  • December 17, 2025
    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 953 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.


  • December 17, 2025
    Rule H. Res. 953 passed House.


  • December 17, 2025
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 953. (consideration: CR H5992-6000)


  • December 17, 2025
    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.


  • December 17, 2025
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3492.


  • December 17, 2025
    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.


  • December 17, 2025
    Ms. Balint moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5999-6000)


  • December 17, 2025
    The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.


  • December 17, 2025
    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3492, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Balint demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.


  • December 17, 2025
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6008-6009)


  • December 17, 2025
    On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 218 (Roll no. 350).
    View Vote


  • December 17, 2025
    On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 351). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5992-5993)
    View Vote


  • December 17, 2025
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • December 18, 2025
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HRES 119-953: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6703) to ensure access to affordable health insurance; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 498) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal Medicaid funding for gender transition procedures for minors; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3492) to amend section 116 of title 18, United States Code, with respect to genital and bodily mutilation and chemical castration of minors; and relating to consideration of the bill (H.R. 4776) to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to clarify ambiguous provisions and facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely environmental review process.
Child healthCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDrug therapySex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationSurgery and anesthesia

Protect Children’s Innocence Act

USA119th CongressHR-3492| House 
| Updated: 12/18/2025
This bill, known as the "Protect Children's Innocence Act," significantly amends section 116 of title 18, United States Code, to establish federal prohibitions against certain medical procedures performed on minors. It specifically targets genital and bodily mutilation and chemical castration of individuals under 18 years of age, making such acts federal crimes punishable by fines and up to 10 years imprisonment. The legislation broadly defines "genital or bodily mutilation" to include female genital mutilation (FGM) and a wide range of surgeries intended to alter a minor's body to align with a sex different from their biological sex. These procedures encompass, but are not limited to, castration, hysterectomy, mastectomy, phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, and certain facial or body contouring surgeries. Similarly, "chemical castration" is defined as administering medications like puberty blockers, supraphysiologic testosterone to biological females, or supraphysiologic estrogen to biological males, when done for the purpose of changing a minor's biological sex. The bill establishes federal jurisdiction over these offenses if they involve interstate or foreign commerce, or occur within U.S. special maritime and territorial jurisdiction. It explicitly states that religious, customary, or traditional practices are not a defense for FGM, and victims cannot be prosecuted. Crucially, the bill includes specific exceptions for procedures deemed necessary to the health of the minor and performed by a licensed medical practitioner. However, the definition of "health of a minor" explicitly excludes mental, behavioral, or emotional distress or disorders. Additional exemptions are provided for individuals with intersex conditions, those requiring treatment for complications from prior procedures, those in imminent danger of major bodily function impairment, or minors diagnosed with precocious puberty for normalization purposes.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
4 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8731
Protect Children’s Innocence Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1399
Protect Children’s Innocence Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5636
Protect Children’s Innocence Act
May 19, 2025
Introduced in House
May 19, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jun 10, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jun 10, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 10.
Sep 26, 2025
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 265.
Sep 26, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-311.
Dec 17, 2025
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 953 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec 17, 2025
Rule H. Res. 953 passed House.
Dec 17, 2025
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 953. (consideration: CR H5992-6000)
Dec 17, 2025
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec 17, 2025
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3492.
Dec 17, 2025
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Dec 17, 2025
Ms. Balint moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5999-6000)
Dec 17, 2025
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Dec 17, 2025
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3492, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Balint demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Dec 17, 2025
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6008-6009)
Dec 17, 2025
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 218 (Roll no. 350).
View Vote
Dec 17, 2025
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 351). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5992-5993)
View Vote
Dec 17, 2025
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 18, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8731
    Protect Children’s Innocence Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1399
    Protect Children’s Innocence Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5636
    Protect Children’s Innocence Act


  • May 19, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • May 19, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


  • June 10, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • June 10, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 10.


  • September 26, 2025
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 265.


  • September 26, 2025
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-311.


  • December 17, 2025
    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 953 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.


  • December 17, 2025
    Rule H. Res. 953 passed House.


  • December 17, 2025
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 953. (consideration: CR H5992-6000)


  • December 17, 2025
    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6703, H.R. 498 and H.R. 3492. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6703 and H.R. 498 under a closed rule and H.R. 3492 under a structured rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.


  • December 17, 2025
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3492.


  • December 17, 2025
    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.


  • December 17, 2025
    Ms. Balint moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5999-6000)


  • December 17, 2025
    The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.


  • December 17, 2025
    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3492, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Balint demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.


  • December 17, 2025
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6008-6009)


  • December 17, 2025
    On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 218 (Roll no. 350).
    View Vote


  • December 17, 2025
    On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 351). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5992-5993)
    View Vote


  • December 17, 2025
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • December 18, 2025
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Marjorie Taylor Greene

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican Representative

Georgia

Cosponsors (44)
Diana Harshbarger (Republican)Paul A. Gosar (Republican)Barry Moore (Republican)David Kustoff (Republican)Clay Higgins (Republican)Ashley Hinson (Republican)Andy Harris (Republican)Elijah Crane (Republican)Lance Gooden (Republican)Mike Collins (Republican)Stephanie I. Bice (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)Andrew Ogles (Republican)William R. Timmons (Republican)Andy Biggs (Republican)Brandon Gill (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Michael A. Rulli (Republican)Anna Paulina Luna (Republican)Ronny Jackson (Republican)James R. Baird (Republican)Brad Finstad (Republican)Glenn Grothman (Republican)Troy E. Nehls (Republican)W. Gregory Steube (Republican)James Comer (Republican)Harriet M. Hageman (Republican)Gary J. Palmer (Republican)Mary E. Miller (Republican)Addison P. McDowell (Republican)Riley M. Moore (Republican)Dan Crenshaw (Republican)Max L. Miller (Republican)John J. McGuire (Republican)Kevin Hern (Republican)Burgess Owens (Republican)Randy K. Sr. Weber (Republican)Monica De La Cruz (Republican)Ralph Norman (Republican)Andrew S. Clyde (Republican)Josh Brecheen (Republican)Brian Babin (Republican)Michael Guest (Republican)Eric Burlison (Republican)

Judiciary Committee, Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • HRES 119-953: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6703) to ensure access to affordable health insurance; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 498) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal Medicaid funding for gender transition procedures for minors; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3492) to amend section 116 of title 18, United States Code, with respect to genital and bodily mutilation and chemical castration of minors; and relating to consideration of the bill (H.R. 4776) to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to clarify ambiguous provisions and facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely environmental review process.
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Child healthCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDrug therapySex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationSurgery and anesthesia