WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 934

Sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts: actions for recovery of damages: statute of limitations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and 20 co-sponsors

California bill establishing civil remedies allowing conversion therapy victims to sue practitioners and entities for damages from sexual orientation change efforts.

Set for hearing April 20.
#sexualorientationorgenderidentitychangeefforts #actionsforrecoveryofdamages #statuteoflimitations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 934

Legislative bill overview

SB 934 establishes civil remedies for individuals who have been subjected to sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE), commonly known as "conversion therapy." The bill creates a legal framework allowing victims to seek damages and potentially pursue legal action against practitioners and entities that conducted or promoted these practices.

Why is this important

Conversion therapy has been widely discredited by major medical organizations (AMA, APA, AAP) as ineffective and harmful, particularly when applied to minors who cannot consent. This bill addresses a significant gap in protection by providing a civil remedy mechanism for those harmed, complementing existing California law that already prohibits licensed professionals from practicing SOCE on minors.

Potential points of contention

  • Statute of limitations and retroactivity: Questions about how far back victims can file claims and whether the law applies to practices that occurred before enactment, potentially exposing practitioners to liability decades later
  • Religious liberty concerns: Some religious organizations argue the bill may conflict with their ability to provide faith-based counseling, though existing SOCE bans have been upheld legally despite these claims
  • Scope of "change efforts": Defining what constitutes actionable SOCE versus permitted counseling or support that doesn't explicitly aim to change orientation could create legal ambiguity and litigation disputes
  • Damages and enforcement: Determining appropriate compensation levels and how survivors will prove harm sustained from practices that may have occurred years or decades earlier

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

Sign in to ask a question.