Republican lawmakers in Arkansas have introduced a bill that would allow lawsuits against anyone who facilitates a minor’s social transition — including hairdressers and barbers who give gender-nonconforming haircuts, teachers who use a student’s chosen name that is different from their birth name and nonprofit organizations that offer support.
House Bill 1668, known as the “Vulnerable Youth Protection Act,” was introduced by Republican Rep. Mary Bentley and Sen. Alan Clark. If passed, the legislation would allow parents to sue anyone who supports a minor’s gender transition, with the statute of limitations lasting for 15 years.
The Context
Arkansas has been a leader in legislative efforts restricting transgender rights. In 2021, it became the first state to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors—a law that was struck down by a federal judge in 2023. Since then, more than two dozen states have enacted similar measures limiting medical care, sports participation and bathroom access for transgender individuals.
Nationally, transgender rights have become a flashpoint in the country’s culture wars. Some political analysts have suggested the backlash against these rights—embodied in the most viral ad of the presidential campaign—played a decisive role in Donald Trump’s victory.
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What To Know
The Arkansas bill defines “social transitioning” as any act in which a minor adopts a gender identity different from their biological sex, including changes in clothing, pronouns, hairstyle and name. Under this definition, a barber, teacher or guidance counselor could face lawsuits for supporting a child’s gender identity.
It allows lawsuits to be filed up to 15 years after an incident, with damages ranging from $10,000 to $10 million in cases where a minor received gender-affirming care.
Critics argue the bill violates First Amendment rights and is designed to intimidate teachers, doctors, and even parents from supporting transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas has condemned it as “state-mandated bullying.”
The bill would allow lawsuits against individuals who facilitate a minor’s social transition, including hairdressers who give gender-nonconforming haircuts The bill would allow lawsuits against individuals who facilitate a minor’s social transition, including hairdressers who give gender-nonconforming haircuts Getty Images
Supporters claim the measure is necessary to prevent children from making irreversible decisions about their gender identity, while opponents see it as a direct attack on the rights of transgender youth and those who support them.
At a March 18 hearing, however, a representative from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office acknowledged that parts of the bill may not withstand legal challenges due to restrictions on free speech.
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“When you are criminalizing or, in this case, providing a civil cause of action for certain forms of speech, that has to pass a very, very high constitutional bar, and we have to be able to defend that in court,” the representative said.
What People Are Saying
Mary Bentley, Arkansas GOP State Representative, in a House Judiciary hearing: “This is about protecting children from being pushed into gender ideology. We need to ensure that kids are not being coerced into decisions they do not understand.”
The ACLU of Arkansas in a statement: “This bill seeks to deter life-saving healthcare through baseless lawsuits, forcing transgender youth into unsafe conditions.”
What Happens Next
The bill is still moving through the Arkansas legislature and is expected to face immediate legal challenges if it is passed into law. Civil rights groups, educators, and LGBTQ+ advocates say they will continue fighting the bill.
Dylan Sherman is a business reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He is based in Northwest Arkansas and focuses on Tyson Foods Inc. and the transportation industry. A graduate of the University of Missouri, he has been with the newspaper since 2023.
The Arkansas Court of Appeals released opinions Wednesday. The court’s ruling and the names of the cases are reprinted here. The full opinions and other court proceedings, including per curiam decisions, orders and submissions, can be found on the internet at arcourts.gov.
PROCEEDINGS OF Jan. 7, 2026
CHIEF JUDGE N. MARK KLAPPENBACH
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CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Gladwin and Brown, JJ., agree.
JUDGE ROBERT J. GLADWIN
CR-25-24. Bryce Anderson v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Virden and Harrison, JJ., agree.
JUDGE CASEY R. TUCKER
CV-24-537. Flywheel Energy Production, LLC v. Van Buren County, Arkansas; and Van Buren County Judge Dale James, in His Official Capacity as Van Buren County Judge, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Reversed and dismissed. Abramson and Harrison, JJ., agree.
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JUDGE WENDY SCHOLTENS WOOD
CV-24-209. LRS South, LLC v. Benton County Solid Waste Management District and the Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board, from Benton County Circuit Court. Reversed and remanded. Hixson and Murphy, JJ., agree.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.
The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.
Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.
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Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.
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The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.
At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.
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Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class
Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.
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Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.
In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.
Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.
Hogs continue roster building
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The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.
Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.
Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.
While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.
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Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.
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As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.
Key takeaways
Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.
