ALL THINGS LEGISLATIVE SESSION
CALL TO ACTION: HB 1430
Legislators are seeking to OVERTURN a North Dakota rule for social workers practicing in the state which states “conversion or reparative therapy” is a violation of the social work code of ethics if practiced by a ND licensed social worker. These administrative rules were proposed by the ND Board of Social Work Examiners and passed by the Administrative Rules Committee in June 2021.
This bill would reverse the rule with this line: “It is NOT [emphasis added] an ethical violation for a licensee to offer an individual questioning the individual's sexuality or gender a treatment plan or counseling plan that aligns with heterosexuality or the individual's biological sex.” Further, it would allow the harmful practice of conversion therapy on minors with only their parents’ consent.
To read the bill, find out about Actions, Committee Hearings, and Testimony related to this bill, go to
this link and click on the appropriate tab.
How YOU can make an impact!
Email the Committee
- Find the committee member emails and a draft email at the link here.
Share on Social Media
- Encourage your social work friends and colleagues to stop this dangerous bill by sharing the below image on social media. A post can also be found on the NASW-ND Facebook Page.
Watch the Committee
- To watch legislative hearings on this bill, go to this link, click on the Hearings tab to determine the committee, date, and time of the hearing then go to this link to find and click on the video for the hearing.
Resources:
Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact
One key piece of legislation already on our radar is the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact. Accepted by the Interim Workforce Committee and given a DO PASS recommendation by the House Human Services Committee, the compact seeks to streamline licensing across compact states, making it easier for social workers to practice across state lines. To date, 22 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.
For further legislative updates on bills that affect social workers and our clients, watch your emails for membership only updates and consider joining the Advocacy Committee!
Read more about the compact on our advocacy webpage!
More Legislative Session Information
NASW-ND is dedicated to keeping our members informed about North Dakota's 69th Legislative Assembly, beginning January 7, 2025. Stay updated through our advocacy page and monthly e-Blasts. Not a member yet? Join today to access exclusive updates and stay engaged throughout this important legislative session!
Make your voice heard in the 2025 North Dakota Legislative Session by watching this Advocacy 101 training! It covers the basics of the state legislature, how the legislative session works, how to share your public testimony, and a tour of the legislative website.
This training is especially geared toward those who have little or no experience with the state legislature but want to take action on issues they care about.
Join Us in Shaping ND's Future
The North Dakota legislative session is just around the corner, and NASW-ND is gearing up for a busy season of advocacy. Our work will focus on reviewing bills, drafting testimony, and championing legislation that supports and advances the profession of social work and the communities we serve.
Important January Dates
Mark your calendars for these key dates as we kick off the 2025 legislative session:
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Friday, January 3, at 12:30 p.m. CST: Weekly NASW-ND Advocacy Committee meetings begin.
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Tuesday, January 7: First day of the legislative session.
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Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and US Presidential Inauguration Day; deadline for Representatives to introduce bills.
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Monday, January 27: Deadline for Senate to introduce bills.
- Friday, January 31: Deadline for introducing resolutions
Get Involved: Your Profession Needs You!
Are you passionate about shaping the future of social work in North Dakota? Do you want to stay informed and make your voice heard during this legislative session? Consider joining the NASW-ND Advocacy Committee, where you’ll play a direct role in advancing our priorities and strengthening the profession.
Whether you’re ready to join the committee or simply want to stay updated, keep an eye on your inbox for opportunities to engage throughout the session. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a lasting impact.
It takes a village to drive meaningful change—let’s work together to make a difference!
Kristin Rubbelke, Executive Director
NASW North Dakota Chapter
In 2025, the NASW-ND Advocacy Committee will be meeting on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. CST. We need your help to advocate for our profession and for the well-being of those we serve during this legislative session. Together, we can make a difference! For more information check out our advocacy committee webpage!
Please email info.naswnd@socialworkers.org with interest or for more information!