HB 26-1322

HB 26-1322, also known as the "Civil Actions for Conversion Therapy Survivors" bill, allows individuals who have been harmed by conversion therapy to sue mental health professionals and others involved in these practices. This includes therapists, supervisors, or entities that hired them to perform such treatments targeting sexual orientation or gender identity. The law removes any time limit on when someone can file a lawsuit related to this issue, meaning survivors can seek compensation for economic, emotional, and punitive damages at any point after the therapy occurred. Since it has been signed into law, victims of conversion therapy now have legal recourse to hold those responsible accountable without worrying about timing restrictions.

Official Summary

The act allows an injured person to bring a cause of action for claims of injury caused by sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts (efforts) against a licensed mental health professional and allows the cause of action to be commenced at any time without limitation.     Specifically, the act applies to a civil cause of action brought against a licensed mental health professional who seeks to direct a patient toward a predetermined sexual orientation or gender identity outcome or eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of a particular sex or gender.     The act permits the injured individual, or the individual's personal representative or estate if the individual is deceased, to recover economic, noneconomic, and exemplary damages, and any other damages deemed appropriate by the court.     A cause of action may be brought as a survival action within 5 years after the death of the person who underwent efforts.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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