Rodolfo Soriano-Núñez Viernes, 17 de Abril del 2026, 00:00
The Assembly bill acknowledges that, when clergy act in a therapeutic role, they occupy positions of significant authority and influence, underscoring the need to prevent abuse.
Assemblymember Ward’s proposal seeks to ensure that individuals receiving services from their churches are protected from exploitation and potential abuse.
By Rodolfo Soriano-Núñez
Last Tuesday 14, the Assembly Committee on Public Safety of the Legislature in Sacramento passed AB 1739, a step forward to elevate protections against abuse and exploitation in relationships of trust in the state of California.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D–San Diego), aims at setting clear boundaries and accountability for members of the clergy providing therapeutic or counseling services. The bill acknowledges how important religious services and networks are in California, hence the need to limit the potential risk members of faith communities confront when seeking the help of clergy in their religious organizations.
Because clergy members occupy positions of significant authority and influence, they are often “first responders” when the faithful confront crisis, seeing them as the embodiment of both religious authority and the ability to provide mental health support. What Ward and other sponsors of the measure seek is to ensure that individuals receiving those services are protected from exploitation.
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 acknowledges 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.”
This is particularly relevant for migrant communities living in California. Given the inherent fragility of the migrant experience and the systemic issues they face, faith communities are usually the very first places migrants look to when facing difficulties.
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, seeking 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.
Dr. Hermina Nedelescu—a neuroscientist, survivor, and constituent who brought the proposal forward—defines the bill as bringing “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.”
“As a neuroscientist and survivor, I understand the lasting harm caused by this abuse of trust and authority,” Dr. Nedelescu said. “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. Dr. Nedelescu calls for letters of support to be resubmitted with an updated date and the phrase “support amended” at the State Legislature website: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/.
