HB 5623
Youth Mental Health Protection Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Youth Mental Health Protection Act, aims to protect young people in West Virginia from conversion therapy. It defines conversion therapy as practices intended to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity and prohibits mental health providers from engaging in this practice or referring individuals to those who do. The bill also outlines disciplinary actions for providers who violate these prohibitions.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘conversion therapy’ as practices attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Prohibits mental health providers from engaging in conversion therapy with individuals under 18.
- Prohibits mental health providers from referring individuals to those offering conversion therapy.
- Establishes disciplinary actions for providers who violate the prohibitions, including warnings and potential referrals for training.
- Creates a new article in the West Virginia Code specifically addressing the Youth Mental Health Protection Act.
Who is affected
- Youth under 18
- Mental health providers (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, counselors)
- Parents and guardians of youth
- West Virginia residents
Notable changes
- Adds a new section to the West Virginia Code to specifically address and prohibit conversion therapy.
- Creates a legal definition of conversion therapy.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours