Bill > HB2973

This bill, the Parental and Family Rights in Counseling Protection Act, relates to counseling and mental health services. It preempts the field of legislation relating to sexual orientation change efforts and gender dysphoria resolution efforts, nullifying any federal rule, statute, or executive order that would prohibit such efforts. The bill defines key terms, such as "counseling," "mental health provider," and "sexual orientation change efforts," and prohibits the state or any political subdivision from restricting mental health providers, religious advisors, or parents from obtaining counseling, including sexual orientation change efforts and gender dysphoria resolution efforts, for minors experiencing unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviors, identity, sexual or gender-identity expressions, or gender dysphoria. The bill also prohibits the use of aversion therapy and allows mental health providers, religious advisors, patients, or clients to assert claims or defenses if their freedom of speech or communication in counseling is violated. Lastly, the bill declares an emergency and takes immediate effect.