conversion therapy; funding; prohibitions; minors

HB 2359 prohibits healthcare professionals from providing conversion therapy to minors under 18, defining conversion therapy as any practice seeking to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill exempts clergy acting in a pastoral role and parents who are healthcare professionals acting as parents, not professionals. It also bans state and federal funds from being used for conversion therapy for minors, including through grants, contracts, or health benefits coverage. The law directly affects licensed therapists, state agencies, and entities receiving public funds by restricting both clinical services and financial support for this practice.