Senate Bill 399 - Mental Health Protection Act

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

• Defines conversion therapy as practices or treatments seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity, while explicitly excluding counseling that supports gender transition, facilitates identity exploration, or provides acceptance and coping assistance without seeking to change orientation or identity.

• Establishes that conversion therapy by licensed professionals constitutes unprofessional conduct subject to discipline by their respective licensing entities, with the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for reporting violations.

• Prohibits all state, municipal, and political subdivision funds from being used for conducting conversion therapy, referring individuals for conversion therapy, providing health benefits coverage for conversion therapy, or contracting with entities that offer such services.

• Cites extensive evidence from major medical organizations (American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and others) documenting that conversion therapy is ineffective, unethical, and poses serious risks including depression, suicide, and psychological harm.