Bill > HF3486

This bill makes several changes to substance use disorder treatment in Minnesota: It allows offenders and patients to object in good faith to religious elements of substance use disorder treatment programs and requires documentation of the objection. The offender or patient must be provided an equivalent alternative treatment program without religious elements, if available, or may decline to participate in the religious elements. The bill prohibits courts, corrections officers, and other authorities from compelling an individual to participate in religious elements of treatment against their objections. The bill also requires the commissioner of human services to provide continuing education workshops for non-licensed treatment staff on serving clients with religious objections and trauma related to religion. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to ensure a broad range of secular substance use disorder treatment options are available and to provide technical assistance to ensure compliance with the religious objections provisions. Finally, the bill directs the commissioner to submit a report by January 2026 evaluating the prevalence of religion in treatment programs, the systems that lead to individuals being required to participate in religious treatment against their objections, the availability of secular treatment options, and the implementation of the new religious objection requirements.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3486&ssn=0&y=2023