Health and Human Services Committee

March 27, 2025

Committee Chair: Sen. Committee Chair Hardin (Vice Chair Fredrickson presiding initially) | Bills Heard: 1 | Full Transcript (PDF)

LB367: Ban on conversion therapy for minors

Introduced by: Sen. Megan Hunt | Testimony: 6 proponents, 2 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)

Nebraska committee hears emotional testimony on conversion therapy ban for minors. Sen. Megan Hunt's LB367 would prohibit licensed health care professionals from administering conversion therapy to minors, making it grounds for license discipline. The bill includes an exception for clergy and religious counselors acting in a pastoral capacity.

Why it matters: Conversion therapy—a widely discredited practice attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity—has been linked to increased suicide risk, depression, and anxiety among LGBTQ+ youth. Nearly 30 states have already banned it. In Nebraska, 17% of LGBTQ+ youth report being threatened with or subjected to the practice, according to testimony.

What they're saying: - Proponents: All major medical organizations—the AMA, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics—oppose conversion therapy as pseudoscientific and harmful. Dr. Alex Dworak, a family physician, testified that Nebraska's hostile legislative environment is driving talented professionals and young people out of state. Britta Tollefsrud, a licensed mental health practitioner, clarified that legitimate therapeutic exploration differs fundamentally from conversion therapy's goal of changing identity. - Opponents: Greg Baylor (Alliance Defending Freedom) and Matt Heffron (Thomas More Society) argued the bill violates the First Amendment by restricting content-based speech. They contended it would channel patients into gender-affirming care and noted the U.S. Supreme Court will review similar laws in Chiles v. Salazar, likely striking them down as unconstitutional.

By the numbers: Online testimony: 160 proponents, 84 opponents, 1 neutral. In-person testimony: 6 proponents, 2 opponents. The bill has no fiscal note.

What's next: No vote was taken. The committee will move to executive session to consider the bill.

Committee sentiment:   Supportive: Sen. John Fredrickson   Skeptical: Sen. Merv Riepe, Sen. Glen Meyer, Sen. Ben Hansen

Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.

Session Notes

The hearing was rescheduled from March 26, 2025, due to a blizzard. Committee Chair Hardin presided over most of the hearing, with Vice Chair Fredrickson presiding initially. The committee heard testimony on LB367 only. Online written testimony was submitted by Tanya Encalada Cruz and Shannon Coryell in support. The committee did not vote on the bill during this hearing and moved to executive session at the conclusion.

Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.