The bill aims to modify how substance use disorder treatment programs are managed in Minnesota. Key changes include:

1. Education Requirements for Counselors: Counselors are now required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including specific hours focused on diversity, professional ethics, and secular treatment approaches to accommodate clients with religious objections or trauma related to religion or spirituality.

2. Religious Objections: Individuals who object on religious grounds to the elements of a treatment program cannot be compelled to participate in those elements. They must be offered acceptable secular alternatives, or they may decline participation in the religious components without adverse consequences affecting their criminal justice status (like parole conditions) or rights within the treatment program.

3. Documentation and Alternatives for Objectors: Authorities must document any good faith religious objections by clients and seek to provide equivalent alternative treatment programs without religious content. If no suitable alternatives are available, clients have the right to refuse participation in religious treatments.

4. Rights of Patients and Offenders: The legislation emphasizes respecting the rights of patients and offenders, ensuring they are informed of their rights concerning voluntary participation and religious objections. They must receive clear information about their rights upon admission or during treatment processes.

5. Commissioner’s Responsibilities: The bill outlines the duties of the Commissioner to cooperate with community corrections agencies in creating offenders' release plans that consider their substance use disorder treatment needs and prepare emergency intervention for those with opioid use disorders.

6. Staff Training: Continuing education for staff now must include training on handling religious objections and accommodating clients who refuse religious elements in treatment.

7. Reporting Requirements: The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked to provide a detailed report by January 15, 2027, about the integration of religion in treatment programs, the objections to such treatments, and the availability of secular treatment options across the state.

Overall, the bill aims to ensure that substance use disorder treatments are inclusive and respectful of individuals’ religious beliefs and rights while maintaining effective treatment and recovery protocols.