GUARD Act

HR 1866, the GUARD Act, prevents federal funding under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act from being awarded to any state that discriminates against parents or guardians who oppose gender-affirming medical, social, or legal changes for minors. The bill requires states to avoid adverse actions against such parents if they believe a minor's gender identity claims conflict with their biological sex at birth, regardless of medical diagnoses. States violating this provision could face legal action by affected parents to halt funding and recover funds. The law directly affects parents opposing gender-affirming care for minors and alters federal grant enforcement for child welfare programs.