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HB 1032

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT COST ITEMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

House Bill 1032 aimed to ban conversion therapy in Arkansas, protecting minors from harmful practices and ensuring supportive care from licensed healthcare professionals.

Act 035, 05/13/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1135).
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Bill Summary · HB 1032

Summary of House Bill 1032: To Ban Conversion Therapy

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 1032
- Title: To Ban Conversion Therapy
- Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
- Introduced: November 20, 2024
- Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1032 was introduced with the primary aim of prohibiting the practice of conversion therapy in the state of Arkansas. Conversion therapy refers to any treatment or practice that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill seeks to protect individuals, particularly minors, from potentially harmful and discredited practices that aim to alter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Conversion Therapy:

    • Conversion therapy is defined as any practice that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes efforts to modify behaviors or gender expressions and to reduce same-gender attractions.

  2. Exclusions:

    • The bill clarifies that counseling aimed at supporting individuals in their gender transition or providing acceptance and understanding does not constitute conversion therapy. This includes:
      • Support for gender transition
      • Counseling that facilitates coping and identity exploration
      • Sexual orientation-neutral interventions to prevent unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices

  3. Prohibition on Healthcare Professionals:

    • The bill explicitly prohibits licensed healthcare professionals from engaging in conversion therapy.

  4. Disciplinary Actions:

    • Healthcare professionals found to be practicing conversion therapy would face disciplinary actions from their licensing or certifying bodies, which could include suspension or revocation of their licenses.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • The bill primarily targets healthcare professionals who provide mental health services. It aims to protect individuals, especially minors, from conversion therapy practices that are widely regarded as harmful.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • By banning conversion therapy, the bill seeks to promote mental health and well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring they receive supportive and affirming care rather than harmful practices.

Legislative Timeline

  • November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • January 16, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted, and the bill was ordered engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1032 aimed to establish a legal framework to ban conversion therapy in Arkansas, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for protective measures for LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite its introduction and subsequent actions, the bill ultimately did not progress through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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