Timothy W. Carpenter, Wisconsin State Senator for 3rd District | Official website
Timothy W. Carpenter, Wisconsin State Senator for 3rd District | Official website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "prohibiting conversion therapy".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill prohibits mental health providers from performing conversion therapy on minors, defined as any attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy does not include counseling that assists with gender transition, acceptance, support, or exploration of identity, nor interventions aimed at preventing unlawful conduct or unsafe practices, provided they do not aim to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Licensed mental health professionals, including physicians, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and social workers, are subject to investigation by respective boards if they violate this prohibition. If found in violation, their licenses may be limited, suspended, or revoked. The bill mandates a hearing process and stipulates possible conditions for reinstating or modifying restricted licenses.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Lee Snodgrass (Democrat-52nd District), Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), and Senator LaTonya Johnson (Democrat-6th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), and Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), along with 37 other co-sponsors.
Tim Carpenter has authored or co-authored another 47 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.
Carpenter graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1982 with a BA.
Carpenter, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2003 to represent the state's 3rd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Brian Burke.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB324 | 06/12/2025 | Prohibiting conversion therapy |
| SB321 | 06/12/2025 | Adopting gender-neutral terminology and incorporating gender-neutral marriage and parentage rights. (FE) |
| SB320 | 06/12/2025 | Grants for LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and school social workers and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB278 | 05/22/2025 | Sunset of the community-oriented policing-house grant program |
| SB272 | 05/21/2025 | Eligibility for Family Care for individuals who are deaf-blind. (FE) |
| SB99 | 03/07/2025 | Spinal cord injury research grants and symposia and making an appropriation. (FE) |
Alerts Sign-up