SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblymember Chris Ward (D–San Diego) today announced that AB 1739 passed out of the Assembly Committee on Public Safety, marking a key step forward in strengthening protections against abuse and exploitation in relationships of trust.
AB 1739 addresses gaps in current law by establishing clear boundaries and accountability for members of the clergy who provide therapeutic or counseling services. The bill recognizes that when clergy act in a therapeutic role, they occupy positions of significant authority and influence, and it ensures that individuals receiving those services are protected from exploitation.
“AB 1739 is about protecting people from abuse of power in relationships where trust and vulnerability are central,” said Assemblymember Ward. “When clergy step into a counseling or therapeutic role, there must be clear safeguards in place—just as there are for licensed professionals—to ensure individuals are not taken advantage of under the guise of trust.”
The measure builds on existing precedent in state law and professional ethics frameworks governing therapist-patient relationships, including standards that restrict inappropriate relationships during and after the course of care. AB 1739 seeks to mirror these well-established protections when clergy are acting in a therapeutic capacity, helping to close loopholes and provide consistency across settings.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that it aligns California law with best practices seen in other states and across professional disciplines, reinforcing protections for individuals who may be navigating sensitive or personal circumstances.
“AB 1739 brings clergy-provided counseling in line with other therapeutic professions by making clear that sexual exploitation in these therapeutic relationships is not acceptable under California law,” Dr. Hermina Nedelescu a neuroscientist, survivor, and constituent who brought the proposal forward. “As a neuroscientist and survivor, I understand the lasting harm caused by this abuse of trust and authority. This bill ensures that those who seek guidance and support from clergy are protected from sexual exploitation.”
AB 1739 will next be considered by the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions.