Senate Bill 426 Summary

• Prohibits licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and pastoral counselors) from engaging in conversion therapy with individuals under 18 years of age or adults with disabilities.

• Defines conversion therapy as practices or treatments seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity, excluding counseling that supports gender transition, acceptance, or identity exploration without attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Classifies conversion therapy practiced by licensed professionals as unprofessional conduct subject to discipline by respective licensing entities, with the Department of Health and Human Services having concurrent authority to initiate proceedings.

• Prohibits state, municipal, and local agency funds from being expended for conducting conversion therapy, referring individuals for conversion therapy, providing health benefits coverage for conversion therapy, or contracting with entities that provide or refer for conversion therapy.

• Becomes effective immediately upon enactment and applies to acts occurring on or after the date of enactment.