CONVERSION THERAPY BILL Defeated on Senate Floor
NASW-ND is relieved to announce that HB 1430 (conversion therapy) was defeated on the Senate floor. This accomplishment could not have been made without the tireless efforts of the Advocacy Committee, members, legislators, and staff.
Committee Testimony
On Tuesday, March 11th, House Bill 1430 was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee. As Representative VanWinkle presented the bill in committee, it became evident that the legislation was designed to allow conversion therapy. VanWinkle requested that the bill be amended back to its original form, stating that the House Human Service Committee’s amendments were unhelpful to her goal.
In response, NASW-ND swiftly mobilized a team of Social Workers from across the state to testify in person against the bill. NASW-ND President Alison Traynor, along with members Kayla Solem and Amy Phillips, and NASW-ND lobbyist Liz Loos, addressed the committee, voicing their strong concerns about the bill’s implications.
“The confusing, seemingly contradictory language within HB 1430, as written, opens the door to harmful and unethical practices in the social work profession," stated Traynor. The team reinforced their position with alarming statistics highlighting the dangers of conversion therapy. Solem emphasized, “Research shows that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Yet those who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support.”
Liz Loos presented carefully crafted amendments – developed through tireless collaboration with the NASW-ND Executive Director Kristin Rubbelke – to eliminate the loophole that would allow conversion therapy. The organization strongly urged the committee to adopt these amendments to ensure that conversion therapy remains prohibited.
NASW-ND team members Jenna Bieber, Stella Cantu, and Elizabeth Muralt were also present, providing crucial support and lobbying efforts.
Committee Work
After much deliberation, on March 26, NASW-ND’s proposed amendments were adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee in addition to other amendments (click here to read the amendments).
While this amendment helped mitigate harm, NASW-ND remained opposed to HB1430. The organization maintains that social work ethics should not be legislated but instead remain within administrative rule. Had it been enacted, this bill would make social work the only licensed profession among 32 other licensed professions in the state to have its code of ethics written into law, rather than being regulated and written by the profession.
After the amendments were adopted, NASW-ND quickly mobilized social workers throughout the state to begin contacting their Senators about the implications of the proposed amendment.
Floor Vote
HB 1430 was heard on the Senate floor on Thursday, March 27. With legislators weighing on both sides of the aisle, the fate of the bill it was unsure.
The unwavering testimony of Senator Roers, Senator Lee, NASW-ND member Senator Tim Mathern, and Senator Josh Boschee supported the social work perspective and on a vote of 22-25 the bill was defeated, upholding ethical standards in social work, safeguarding both practitioners and the individuals they support.
NASW-ND wants to thank our legislative partners, lobbyist, members and partner organizations for their continued advocacy on behalf of the social work profession. This victory could not have been realized without you.
Jenna Bieber, MSW, LMSW
NASW-ND Communications and Membership Coordinator
HB1035: Social Work Licensure Compact
HB 1035 (Social Work Licensure Compact) seeks to streamline licensing across compact states, making it easier for social workers to practice across state lines. To date, 23 states have adopted the compact, with more expected to follow during this legislative session. Learn more about its benefits and implications by visiting the linked NASW website.
HB 1035 was signed by the governor on March 18th.