Crimes: sexual exploitation: clergy.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill makes it a criminal offense for any member of the clergy offering therapeutic or spiritual counseling to have sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, or other sexual contact with a current or former patient, client, or congregation member, even if the victim consented. It defines clergy, therapeutic services, and sets penalties ranging from up to six months in county jail and $1,000 fine to up to three years in state prison and $10,000 fine for repeat or multiple‑victim offenses. The measure also amends existing physician‑related statutes to include clergy and states the state will not reimburse local agencies for costs related to the new crime.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 2.) (April 21). · Apr 21, 2026

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 6, 2026
• Business and Professions Committee Hearing
  Business and Professions · Apr 21, 2026
• Business And Professions
  Business And Professions · Apr 21, 2026
• Public Safety
  Public Safety · Apr 14, 2026

History

1. May 14, 2026In committee: Held under submission.
2. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
3. Apr 23, 2026Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. Apr 22, 2026Read second time and amended.
5. Apr 21, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 2.) (April 21).
6. Apr 20, 2026Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.
7. Apr 16, 2026Read second time and amended.
8. Apr 15, 2026From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on B. & P. (Ayes 7. Noes 1.) (April 14).
9. Apr 7, 2026In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
10. Mar 24, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
11. Mar 10, 2026Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
12. Mar 9, 2026Referred to Coms. on PUB. S. and B. & P.

The 12 most recent of 15 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Ward · sponsor
• Addis
• Lowenthal
• Pellerin

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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