MN HF2575

Individuals may object in good faith to religious elements of substance use disorder treatment programs; courts, corrections officers, probation officers, and other placing authorities are prohibited from compelling participation in religious treatment components

Licensed alcohol and drug counselors must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least one hour on religious objection requirements and one hour on secular treatment approaches for clients who object to religious elements or have religion-related trauma

Commissioner of Human Services must develop continuing education workshops for unlicensed program staff, license a broad range of treatment programs including secular-only options, publish a directory of vendors offering secular treatment, and provide technical assistance to ensure compliance

Offenders and defendants who object to religious treatment elements must be offered equivalent alternative programs; if none are available within a reasonable time, they may decline religious elements without adverse impact on incarceration terms, release conditions, or treatment access

Commissioner must submit a report to the legislature by January 15, 2027, evaluating the prevalence of religion in substance use disorder treatment programs, barriers to secular alternatives, and implementation status of the new requirements