�ֲ���ý

Colorado HB26-1322, “Legal Protections for Conversion Therapy Survivors,” has passed the Colorado General Assembly and is currently awaiting action by Governor Jared Polis. Because the legislature adjourned May 13, 2026, the Governor has until June 12, 2026, to sign or veto the legislation. If no action is taken, the bill will automatically become law on June 13.

The legislation would allow individuals who report harm associated with practices intended to change, suppress, or discourage a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, commonly referred to as “conversion therapy,” to file lawsuits seeking financial damages and other relief. Individuals could bring claims alleging physical, psychological, emotional, or economic harm associated with those practices. The bill would also remove the statute of limitations for related lawsuits and expand potential liability to include certain employers, supervisors, and entities connected to those practices.

The updated law replaces one-sided restrictions with a neutral standard for counseling minors. Licensed mental health professionals are now forbidden from forcing any predetermined outcome regarding a youth's gender identity or sexual orientation, no matter the direction of that outcome. HB26-1322 comes amid continued national debate surrounding conversion therapy laws, behavioral health regulation, religious liberty claims, and First Amendment considerations. The legislation also follows ongoing federal litigation concerning Colorado’s existing conversion therapy law, including Chiles v. Salazar. The case concerns a licensed counselor challenging Colorado’s prohibition on conversion therapy for minors on First Amendment grounds.

Supporters of HB26-1322 have framed the legislation as a consumer protection and survivor accountability measure intended to provide additional legal recourse for individuals reporting harm associated with conversion therapy practices. Opponents have raised concerns regarding constitutional implications, expanded liability standards, and the broader impact on licensed professionals engaged in speech based therapeutic services.

The bill received supportive testimony during legislative hearings from a broad coalition of stakeholders, including LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, survivor advocates, behavioral health advocates, professional associations, and faith-based organizations. The Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) has publicly opposed conversion therapy practices and previously supported Colorado’s 2019 conversion therapy ban. In a public statement, CCA affirmed ACA’s position denouncing conversion therapy practices as ineffective and potentially harmful.

�ֲ���ýpreviously highlighted HB26-1322 during Advocacy Power Hour (APH) discussions and member advocacy updates as part of broader state policy trends involving behavioral health regulation and LGBTQ+ mental health policy developments. �ֲ���ýcontinues to monitor the legislation and related litigation developments that may impact counselors, licensure regulation, and behavioral health practice nationwide. If you would like to become involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts. You may contact the �ֲ���ýGovernment Affairs and Public Policy team at advocay@counseling.org.