CAL.Regulation
California updates conversion-therapy ban to cover gender-identity change efforts
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 934 on September 26, 2026, as Chapter 469 of the Statutes of 2026. From January 1, 2027, it amends Business and Professions Code sections 865 to 865.2 to redefine the regulated practice as “sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts”. Licensed mental health providers may not seek, during mental health services, to direct a patient under 18 toward a predetermined sexual orientation or gender identity; doing so is unprofessional conduct subject to licensing discipline.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- The new definition covers efforts to direct a patient toward a particular sexual orientation or gender identity during mental-health services.California Legislative Information
- Excluded: nondirective psychotherapy, age-appropriate interventions on unlawful or unsafe conduct, and supportive care respecting the patient's gender identity.California Legislative Information
- Findings cite APA, AMA, AAP, and others: change efforts are harmful and ineffective, risking depression, suicidality, and anxiety.California Legislative Information
- The Governor's office characterized it as an update to the longstanding ban after the Supreme Court struck down another state's conversion-therapy ban.Office of the Governor
- Chapter 469, Statutes of 2026; approved September 26, 2026; non-urgency, effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
Sources3 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor
Filed under
RegulationCal.SB 934 — Sexual orientation or gender identity change effortsComplianceHealthcareProfessional responsibilityFor practitionersFor governance