SF 4706
Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 04/14/2026 09:40 a.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to health; providing a cause of action for harmful conversion therapy
practices; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 604.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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[604.206] YOUTH PROTECTION FROM HARMFUL THERAPEUTIC
PRACTICES.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Definitions. new text end
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(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
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(b) "Conversion therapy" has the meaning given in section 214.078, subdivision 1,
paragraph (b).
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(c) "Mental health professional" means a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, social
worker, counselor, or any other person licensed in this state to provide professional mental
health care or counseling.
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(d) "Minor" means an individual under 18 years of age.
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(e) "Parent or guardian" means a parent or legal guardian of a minor.
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(f) "Psychological harm" includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, self-harm,
suicidal ideation or attempts, posttraumatic stress disorder, and loss of self-esteem.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Cause of action; conversion therapy. new text end
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(a) An individual who was injured by
conversion therapy prior to reaching the age of 18 has a cause of action for relief against a
mental health professional who administered the conversion therapy. A mental health
professional who engages in conversion therapy on an individual who has not reached the
age of 18 is liable for damages as provided in this section. An injury under this section
includes psychological harm caused by conversion therapy.
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(b) An action under this section may be brought by the parent or guardian of a minor
who was injured by conversion therapy:
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(1) on the minor's behalf prior to reaching the age of 18; or
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(2) when the individual subject to conversion therapy is deceased or incapacitated.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Relief. new text end
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(a) A court may award a plaintiff who prevails in an action brought
under this section the following relief:
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(1) injunctive relief to prevent the defendant from engaging in future conversion therapy
in violation of the standard of care;
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(2) a civil penalty in an amount of not less than $50,000 to the injured individual, or
their parent or guardian when applicable;
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(3) general, special, and punitive damages; and
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(4) a plaintiff's costs and reasonable attorney fees.
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(b) This section does not allow an officer or employee of the state or any political
subdivision to bring or participate in an action to enforce this section.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin Venue. new text end
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A plaintiff may bring an action under this section in the county where
the plaintiff resides at the time the action is brought or the county where the defendant
resides at the time the action is brought.
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