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 against licensed professionals found in violation.

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 to limit, suspend, or revoke licenses or credentials of those found guilty of engaging in conversion therapy with minors. The bill also modifies the judicial review process to include provisions related to these new disciplinary actions, ensuring that courts cannot issue stays on board orders without meeting specific conditions.

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