A controversial bill before the North Dakota Senate could allow licensed social workers to offer conversion therapy, a practice widely condemned by medical and mental health experts. Supporters argue it expands treatment options, but opponents, including the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, warn that research links conversion therapy to increased suicide risk and other harms. With the bill already passing the House, the Senate now faces a critical decision on LGBTQ+ rights and mental health protections in the state.
HB 1430
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 43-41 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the regulation of social workers.
House Sponsors: VanWinkle (R, District 3), K. Anderson (R, District 19), Bolinske (R, District 40), Christianson (R, District 18), Frelich (R, District 15), Heilman (R, District 7), Hoverson (R, District 3), Kasper (R, District 46), Koppelman (R, District 16), Louser (R, District 5),
Senate Sponsors: Castaneda (R, District 40), Paulson (R, District 3),
