HF2575 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Continuing education requirements for licensed alcohol and drug counselors modified, religious objections to placements in substance use disorder treatment programs allowed, comprehensive assessment requirements modified, and courts or other placement authorities prohibited from compelling an individual to participate in religious elements of substance use disorder treatment.
Related bill: SF271
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This bill aims to modify the requirements for substance use disorder treatment in Minnesota by ensuring that individuals are not compelled to participate in religious aspects of treatment programs. It seeks to make treatment options more inclusive and respectful of individuals' religious beliefs or non-religious preferences.
Main Provisions
- Treatment Program Adjustments: Individuals who object to participating in religious elements of substance use disorder treatment programs can opt for secular alternatives or omit participation in the religious components.
- Continuing Education and Training: Licensed alcohol and drug counselors are required to complete training on accommodating religious objections and providing secular treatment methods.
- Institutional Policies: Changes require that all relevant authorities, including courts and treatment centers, respect and facilitate individuals' choices regarding participation in religious versus secular treatment elements.
- Documentation of Objections: Comprehensive procedures must be in place for documenting objections based on religious grounds, and equivalent alternative programs should be provided when available.
- Report Requirement: By 2027, a report evaluating the presence of religious components in treatment programs and their secular alternatives must be submitted.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Mandatory Secular Training: Counselors must include specific training on how to handle religious objections within the required hours of continuing education.
- Rights of Offenders: Offenders leaving prison should be provided with alternative treatment options that do not include religious elements if they object to them.
- Clear Prohibitions and Guidelines: It is now mandatory for all treatment providers and legal entities to respect religious objections to treatment, ensuring that individuals have access to suitable secular treatment programs.
Relevant Terms
substance use disorder, secular treatment, religious objections, alternative treatment programs, continuing education, counselor training, non-religious treatment options, patient rights, comprehensive assessment, diagnostic assessment, Minnesota statutes
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Human Services Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires nine clock hours on diversity and three clock hours on professional ethics, including at least one clock hour on statutory and regulatory requirements related to religious objections in substance use disorder treatment programs."
],
"summary": "The bill amends continuing education requirements for licensed alcohol and drug counselors under section 148F.075."
},
"citation": "148F.075"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provision of emergency opiate antagonist rescue kits for individuals with known histories of opioid use disorder upon release."
],
"summary": "The bill revises release plan requirements for offenders with substance use disorders under section 241.415.",
"modified": [
"Ensures offenders with religious objections to substance use disorder treatment programs are offered alternative treatment options."
]
},
"citation": "241.415"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires documentation of religious objections and offers alternative programs where available."
],
"summary": "This section is amended to address religious objections in substance use disorder treatment programs under section 244.0513."
},
"citation": "244.0513"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarification on the rights to refuse participation in religious activities in treatment programs."
],
"summary": "Amendments to patient rights in substance use disorder treatment programs under section 245F.10."
},
"citation": "245F.10"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provisions to decline participation based on religious objections and specifying it must not result in adverse consequences."
],
"summary": "Amendments concerning patient rights in mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs under section 253B.03."
},
"citation": "253B.03"
},
{
"analysis": {
"summary": "Eligibility criteria for substance use disorder treatment program vendors under section 254B.05.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies licensing and criteria requirements for being an eligible vendor."
]
},
"citation": "254B.05"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows defendants to refuse programs with religious components."
],
"summary": "Modifications to probation conditions and alternatives to incarceration concerning substance use disorder treatment under section 609.14."
},
"citation": "609.14"
}
]