The GUARD Act would amend federal child welfare funding law to penalize states that take action against parents or guardians who oppose gender-affirming medical, surgical, or psychological treatments for minors, as well as social changes like name, pronoun, or clothing changes related to gender identity. States that discriminate against such parents would lose eligibility for federal funding under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, a program that provides grants to states for child welfare initiatives. The bill would allow affected parents to sue in federal or state court to stop federal funding to states they believe violated these requirements and to recover awarded funds. The legislation applies broadly regardless of whether a minor has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or other medical conditions. The bill was introduced in July 2023 but does not specify implementation timelines or funding amounts.