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HB5623 • 2026
Youth Mental Health Protection Act
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
Youth Mental Health Protection Act
To House Health and Human Resources
Introduced in House
To Health and Human Resources then Judiciary
Filed for introduction
Youth Mental Health Protection Act
HB 5623 Text skip navigation SENATE PRESIDENT SENATORS COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS SENATE CLERK SENATE RULES HOUSE SPEAKER DELEGATES COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS HOUSE CLERK HOUSE RULES HOUSE STAFF JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC INFORMATION LEGISLATIVE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DIVISION LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR'S OFFICE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & RESEARCH DIVISION POST AUDIT DIVISION BUDGET DIVISION REGULATORY AND FISCAL AFFAIRS DIVISION CLAIMS COMMISSION CRIME VICTIMS RULE-MAKING REVIEW SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS JUDICIAL COMP. COMMISSION JOINT RULES STAFF INFO BILL STATUS BILL STATUS BILL TRACKING STATE LAW WEST VIRGINIA CODE ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE CODE OF 1931 WV CONSTITUTION US CONSTITUTION REPORTS AGENCY REPORTS AGENCY GRANT AWARDS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS POST AUDITS EDUCATIONAL CITIZEN’S GUIDE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PAGE PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS PHOTO GALLERY CAPITOL HISTORY HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW CONTACT SENATE ROSTER HOUSE ROSTER PUBLIC INFO. NEWS RELEASES HELPFUL LINKS Introduced Version House Bill 5623 History | Email Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE 2026 REGULAR SESSION Introduced House Bill 5623 By Delegates Pritt, Flanigan, Hornbuckle, and Young [Introduced February 16, 2026; referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources then the Judiciary] A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §16-67-1, §16-67-2, §16-67-3, §16-67-4, and §16-67-5, relating to creating the Youth Mental Health Protection Act; stating a purpose; defining terms; prohibiting conversion therapy and referral services for conversion therapy; and providing for disciplinary actions against providers who violate the article. Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: ARTICLE 67. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROTECTION ACT. §16-67-1. Purpose . The purpose of this article is to protect children from conversion therapy, also known as sexual orientation change efforts or reparative therapy . §16-67 -2. Definitions . For the purposes of this article: "Conversion therapy" means any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals. "Mental health provider" means a clinical psychologist licensed under §30-21-1 et seq . of this code; a school psychologist licensed under §30-21-1 et seq . of this code; a psychiatrist licensed under §30-3-1 et seq. of this code; a clinical social worker or social worker licensed under §30-30-1 et seq . of this code; a marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist licensed under §30-31-1 et seq. of this code; a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor licensed under §30-31-1 et seq. of this code; or any students, interns, volunteers, or other persons assisting or acting under the direction or supervision of any of these licensed professionals. §16-67-3. Prohibition on conversion therapy. A mental health provider may not engage in conversion therapy with a person under the age of 18. §16-67-4. Referral services related to conversion therapy . A mental health provider may not refer any current or former client or patient to any individual, within this state or within any other state, for the purpose of engaging in conversion therapy. This prohibition includes referrals to any individual practicing or engaging in conversion therapy in person or by telephone, electronic communication, or any other form of direct or indirect communication with a client or patient. §16-67-5. Discipline . Conversion therapy on a person under the age of 18 by a mental health provider or any referral made by a mental health provider to a third party practicing conversion therapy constitutes unprofessional conduct and a first offense. Mental health providers found to have engaged in conversion therapy or found to have referred a current or former client or patient under the age of 18 to an individual for the purpose of engaging in conversion therapy for a second time shall be subject to discipline by the licensing entity or disciplinary review board with competent jurisdiction and shall be given a written warning from he appropriate licensing entity and referred to a training or education program. NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to protect children from conversion therapy, also known as sexual orientation change efforts or reparative therapy. Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added. 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