Bill > SF3459

This bill makes several changes to substance use disorder treatment requirements in Minnesota: 1. It allows offenders and patients to object in good faith to religious elements of substance use disorder treatment programs and requires them to be offered equivalent alternative programs without religious components, if available. Their refusal to participate in religious elements cannot adversely impact their treatment, incarceration, or release conditions. 2. It requires the Commissioner of Human Services to license a broad range of substance use disorder treatment programs, including secular options, to ensure individuals have alternatives if they object to religious elements. The Commissioner must also provide technical assistance to ensure compliance with the religious objection provisions. 3. It directs the Commissioner to submit a report by January 2026 evaluating the prevalence of religion in substance use disorder treatment programs, the systems that lead to individuals being required to participate in religious programs despite their objections, the statewide availability of secular treatment options, and the implementation of the new religious objection requirements. 4. It makes other related changes to laws governing substance use disorder treatment, release planning, and probation to align with the new religious objection provisions.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF3459&ssn=0&y=2023