The group of eight Republicans has expressed disappointment with the Senate's early adjournment for spring break after Democrats delayed a vote on the bill for two days through a filibuster on the Senate floor.

O'Laughlin has been meeting with Democrats in an attempt to forge an agreement on language allowing the issue to be voted on without using a parliamentary maneuver that typically generates a major backlash from the minority party.

Widhalm said she is concerned Senate leaders will water down the measure by, for example, only applying the health care prohibition to surgeries instead of other treatments.

It is not known whether O'Laughlin will bring Moon's bill up for debate on Monday or whether another version of the limits might be on tap for debate.

Legislative aides said she also could put the issue aside while negotiators work behind closed doors to find a path forward.

The latest version of Moon's legislation would prohibit physicians and other health care providers from knowingly providing "gender transition procedures" to individuals younger than 18.

Providers also wouldn't be allowed to knowingly refer minors to other clinics that provide gender-affirming care without risking disciplinary action from a state licensing entity or disciplinary review board.

Under the bill's definition, "gender transition procedures" wouldn't include care for those "born with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development" including individuals with "irresolvably ambiguous" genitalia.

During the 2022 election, the Missouri Freedom Foundation PAC pumped money into Senate Republican primary races, helping Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Bill White of Joplin.

The PAC also spent more than $30,000 unsuccessfully trying to unseat Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, and nearly $12,000 against Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla.

The legislation is Senate Bill 49.

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