Senate Bill 324 aims to prohibit mental health providers from engaging in conversion therapy with minors, defined as any intervention intended to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill specifies that conversion therapy does not include supportive counseling for individuals undergoing gender transition, providing acceptance, or facilitating identity exploration, as long as these services do not aim to change the client's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill establishes that various mental health boards, including the Medical Examining Board and the Psychology Examining Board, are responsible for investigating allegations of conversion therapy violations and taking disciplinary actions, such as limiting, suspending, or revoking licenses.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to include provisions for the investigation and disciplinary actions related to conversion therapy violations. It creates new sections in the statutes that outline the responsibilities of the examining boards in handling allegations and conducting hearings. The bill also modifies the judicial review process to include provisions related to the disciplinary actions taken under the new conversion therapy prohibition. Overall, the legislation seeks to protect minors from harmful practices while ensuring accountability among licensed mental health providers.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 448.02(9)(intro.), 448.02