AP Photo/Danny Johnston
- The Arkansas House has overridden Gov. Asa Hutchinson's veto of the anti-trans SAFE act.
- The bill bans doctors from prescribing trans youth puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, or gender-affirming surgeries.
- The Arkansas Senate is likely to also support the veto override.
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The Arkansas House has overridden Governor Asa Hutchinson's veto of the state's anti-trans bill that would ban minors from receiving life-saving medical care.
The House voted 72-25 on Tuesday to advance the "Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE)" Act, HB 1570, over the governor's objections.
The legislation would bans doctors from prescribing trans youth under the age of 18 puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, or gender-affirming surgeries.
On Monday, Hutchinson vetoed the bill, saying it was "overboard, extreme, and does not grandfather those young people who are currently under hormone treatment."
"The most recent action of the general assembly is off-course," Hutchinson said on Monday.
Advocates warned the law could be devastating for trans youth, as studies have shown the younger trans children have access to care, the less likely they are to develop depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations later in life.
In order to fully cancel the governor's veto of the bill, the Arkansas Senate will also need to override Hutchinson's veto.
A simple majority is required. Unless 11 Senate members flip their original votes in support of the bill, the bill will become law.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.