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CA AB1739
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/5/2026
Primary Sponsor
Chris Ward
Click for details
AI Summary
- Expands California's sexual exploitation law (Business and Professions Code Section 729) to include members of the clergy alongside physicians, psychotherapists, and alcohol/drug abuse counselors
- Prohibits clergy from engaging in sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, or sexual contact with current or former congregation members, patients, or clients
- Penalties range from up to 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine for single violations to up to 3 years in state prison and $10,000 fine for multiple victims or repeat offenders
- Consent of the victim is explicitly not a defense to charges under this statute
- Clarifies the bill does not subject clergy to the full Psychology Licensing Law, but requires clergy to adhere to conduct standards at least as stringent as those for other covered professionals
Legislative Description
Healing arts: sexual exploitation: clergy.
Last Action
Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
3/10/2026
Committee Referrals
Public Safety3/9/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available