Bill > H97

This bill aims to protect minors by prohibiting "sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts," which are defined as any practice by a licensed professional that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation (their attraction to men, women, both, or neither) or gender identity (their internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither, which may or may not align with their sex assigned at birth). The bill clarifies that these prohibited efforts do not include providing support for a minor's identity exploration or helping them cope with their identity. Licensed professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and other mental health providers, are forbidden from advertising or engaging in these change efforts with individuals under 18 years old, and violations can lead to disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation. Furthermore, engaging in these practices with a minor would be considered a violation of consumer protection laws, and reports of such actions by licensed professionals must be filed with the relevant licensing boards within 30 days.