MN SF271

Individuals may object in good faith to religious elements of substance use disorder treatment programs and cannot be compelled by courts, corrections officers, probation officers, or state agencies to participate in those elements

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

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

Commissioner of Human Services must develop continuing education workshops for unlicensed program staff on serving clients who object to religious treatment elements and must publish a directory of providers offering secular treatment options

Commissioner must submit a report by January 15, 2027 evaluating the prevalence of religion in substance use disorder treatment programs, barriers to secular alternatives, and the number of individuals submitting good faith religious objections