CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday considered Senate Bill 775, legislation sponsored by Senator Mark R. Maynard (R-Wayne) that would prohibit state entities from facilitating the gender transitioning of a minor without parental consent.
The bill follows concerns raised in the Sixth Senatorial District involving Child Protective Services and a family whose child was removed after the parents declined to support a gender transition. The situation also involved a public school recognizing the child under different pronouns without parental approval. Supporters of the legislation say the case highlighted broader questions about parental rights and the role of government agencies in decisions involving minors.
The issue drew national attention earlier this week when President Donald Trump referenced the case of Sage Blair during his State of the Union Address. According to reports, Sage’s situation involved school officials socially transitioning her without informing her parents. Advocates of SB 775 argue that such cases demonstrate the need for clearer statutory limits on state action.
During Friday’s committee meeting, Senator Ryan Weld (R-Brooke) raised constitutional questions that caused the bill to be laid over. Committee members engaged in discussion concerning parental rights, state authority, and potential legal challenges.
SB 775 would apply broadly to state agencies and entities, including public schools and child welfare services, and would prohibit those entities from facilitating or promoting a minor’s social transition without clear parental consent.
Senator Maynard stated:
“This legislation is about parental rights and setting clear boundaries for state government. Decisions of this magnitude involving minor children should not occur without the knowledge and consent of their parents. The state should not be stepping into that role.”
If this Senate bill does not make it out of committee by the crossover deadline before Monday’s Senate floor session, it will die and this issue will continue unaddressed .
