Text of UT HJR 5 (2023)

H.J.R. 5 LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL 6 Approved for Filing: C. Williams 6 6 01-06-23 9:54 AM 6 H.J.R. 5 1 JOINT RESOLUTION FOR GENDER REASSIGNMENT 2 SURGICAL HEALTH BENEFITS 3 2023 GENERAL SESSION 4 STATE OF UTAH 5 Chief Sponsor: Sahara Hayes 6 Senate Sponsor: ____________ 7 8 LONG TITLE 9 General Description: 10 This resolution directs the Public Employees' Benefit and Insurance Program (PEHP) to 11 provide gender reassignment surgical benefits to state employees and beneficiaries. 12 Highlighted Provisions: 13 This resolution: 14 < directs PEHP to provide gender reassignment surgical benefits to state employees 15 and beneficiaries under certain circumstances. 16 Special Clauses: 17 None 18 19 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah: 20 WHEREAS, in accordance with Utah Code Section 49-20-201, the state participates in 21 the Public Employees' Benefit and Insurance Program (PEHP); 22 WHEREAS, the Legislature may determine what benefits to offer Utah's state 23 employees; 24 WHEREAS, medical professionals have found gender reassignment surgery for adults 25 medically necessary to treat persistent and extended gender dysphoria; 26 WHEREAS, many insurance plans and employers in Utah offer gender reassignment 27 surgical benefits: *HJR005* H.J.R. 5 01-06-23 9:54 AM - 2 - 28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah 29 directs PEHP to offer gender reassignment surgical benefits to state employees and employee 30 beneficiaries for an individual who: 31 < is at least 18 years old; 32 < has the capacity to make fully informed decisions and to consent to medical 33 decisions; 34 < has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a mental health professional for at 35 least 12 months; 36 < has undergone any necessary hormone treatment; 37 < has legally changed the individual's name; 38 < has, for at least 12 months, continuously presented as the individual's desired 39 gender; and 40 < has completed any other requirements PEHP determines are necessary.