This bill seeks to enhance the rights of individuals with substance use disorders in Minnesota by addressing their objections to religious components in treatment programs. It mandates that licensed alcohol and drug counselors complete continuing education on professional ethics and the management of religious objections. Individuals who object in good faith to any religious aspect of their treatment cannot be forced to participate and must be offered equivalent alternative treatment options. The Department of Corrections is required to document these objections, ensuring that such refusals do not adversely affect an individual's incarceration or supervised release conditions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that emphasize cultural sensitivity in treatment assessments, requiring documentation of clients' religious preferences. It prohibits courts and corrections officials from compelling participation in religious elements of treatment, reinforcing the rights of individuals to refuse without facing negative consequences. The commissioner of human services is tasked with licensing a range of treatment programs, including those that utilize only secular methods, and must provide technical assistance to ensure compliance. A report evaluating the prevalence of religious elements in treatment programs and the availability of secular options is also required by January 15, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148F.075, 241.415, 244.0513, 245F.10, 245G.13, 245G.15, 245I.10, 253B.03, 253B.04, 254B.05, 609.14