SB 2682 — THERAPIST ABUSE

Bill Text

• Introduced View text Current pdf

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The bill amends existing law regarding therapist abuse, establishing clearer definitions, reporting requirements, and penalties for violations.

• 740 ILCS 140/Act title

  An Act concerning therapist abuse prevention and accountability sexual exploitation by psychotherapists, unlicensed health professionals, or unlicensed mental health professionals. → An Act concerning therapist abuse prevention and accountability.

  The long title of the Act is revised for clarity.

• 740 ILCS 140/0.01

  This Act may be cited as the Therapist Abuse Prevention and Accountability Sexual Exploitation in Psychotherapy, Professional Health Services, and Professional Mental Health Services Act. → This Act may be cited as the Therapist Abuse Prevention and Accountability Act.

  The short title of the Act is simplified.

• 740 ILCS 140/1

  Abuse means any form of sexual contact, exploitation, or physical harm perpetrated by a therapist against a client during or within 2 years after the therapeutic relationship. → Abuse means any form of sexual contact, exploitation, or physical harm perpetrated by a therapist against a client during or within 2 years after the therapeutic relationship.

  A definition of 'Abuse' is clarified and preserved.

• 740 ILCS 140/1

  who was given therapy psychotherapy within 2 years 1 year prior to the abuse by sexual contact with the therapist psychotherapist or who obtained a professional consultation or diagnostic or therapeutic service from an unlicensed health professional or unlicensed mental health professional within 2 years one year prior to the abuse by sexual contact with the unlicensed health professional or unlicensed mental health professional. → who was given therapy within 2 years prior to the abuse by sexual contact with the therapist or who obtained a professional consultation or diagnostic or therapeutic service from an unlicensed health professional or unlicensed mental health professional within 2 years prior to the abuse.

  The definition of 'Former client' is revised to remove redundancy and clarify time frames.

• 720 ILCS 5/11-9.6

  A person commits therapist abuse when he or she is a therapist and engages in abuse of a client or former client in which the therapy terminated within the previous 2 years.

  A new offense, 'therapist abuse', is established with specific criteria.

• 720 ILCS 5/11-9.6

  The consent of the client or former client shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this Section. → The consent of the client or former client shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this Section. A person is deemed incapable of consent when he or she is a client or former client of the therapist.

  The clause reinforces that clients cannot consent to abuse by their therapist.

• 720 ILCS 5/11-9.6

  Therapists must report any observed or suspected therapist abuse to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and to a local law enforcement agency.

  New reporting requirements for therapists regarding suspected abuses are established.

• 720 ILCS 5/11-9.6

  Therapist abuse is a Class 3 felony. If the victim of the offense is under 18 years of age or is a vulnerable adult, the penalty is a Class 2 felony.

  Penalties for therapist abuse are defined and escalated based on victim status.

• 720 ILCS 5/11-9.6

  A therapist who fails to report another therapist's abuse known to the therapist is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be fined not to exceed $5,000.

  Penalties for failing to report abuse are introduced.

Action History

1. October 14, 2025

   Referred to Assignments

2. October 14, 2025

   First Reading

3. October 14, 2025

   Filed with Secretary by Sen. Darby A. Hills

Sponsors

• Darby A. Hills · Primary

Subjects