Assembly BillIntroducedPenal
AB 1739: Crimes: sexual exploitation: clergy.
What AB 1739 does, verified May 16, 2026
<p>The bill amends section 729 of the Business and Professions Code, prohibiting members of the clergy providing therapeutic services from engaging in sexual acts with current or former patients, clients, or congregation members. Violations are punishable as crimes with imprisonment and fines. The bill clarifies that it does not apply the entire psychology licensing law to duly ordained clergy performing psychological work within their recognized professions. It also specifies no state-mandated local program reimbursement is required.</p>
Bill journey
1IntroducedCurrent
2In CommitteePending
3First Chamber FloorPending
4Second ChamberPending
5GovernorPending
6ChapteredPending
Last action: In committee: Held under submission. (2026-05-14)Alert me
Author and sponsors
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| May. 14, 2026 | In committee: Held under submission. |
| May. 06, 2026 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Apr. 23, 2026 | Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr. 22, 2026 | Read second time and amended. |
| Apr. 21, 2026 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 2.) (April 21). |