Bill > HB1876

This bill amends existing law to prohibit conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, for individuals under the age of twenty-five and also prohibits advertising such services. Conversion therapy is defined to include aversive techniques, which are methods using unpleasant stimuli like electric shocks or deprivation to alter behavior. The bill explicitly exempts "talk therapy in the form of pure speech" from this prohibition, meaning conversations between a professional and a client that do not involve aversive techniques and are not aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity are permitted. This legislation will only become effective on July 1, 3000, or sooner if the Attorney General certifies that the Supreme Court of the United States has overturned a specific court ruling, *Chiles v. Salazar*, which dealt with a counselor's challenge to a conversion therapy ban based on free speech rights.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1876&year=2026