S 9764 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Prevents a judge from prohibiting a parent from undergoing a gender reassignment when making a determination in a child custody case

This bill amends New York's domestic relations law to guide judges in child custody cases. It requires courts to ignore the parents' sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression when deciding what is best for the child. Additionally, the law explicitly forbids judges from stopping a parent from undergoing gender reassignment as part of their custody determination. These changes apply immediately to ensure that custody decisions focus on the child's welfare without penalizing parents for their gender identity or medical transitions.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 6, 2026 Last action May 19, 2026
Floor votes · Senate May 19, 2026

How they voted

4316
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 63
May 19, 2026
D Democratic41
38 Yea 1 Nay 2
92% Yea
R Republican22
5 Yea 15 Nay 2
68% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
2
May 19, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
lower
May 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Apr 6, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors