April 9, 2026
Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Colorado law banning conversion therapy, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard two bills on April 8, aimed at addressing the impacts of conversion therapy practices in Minnesota.
SF 4706 and SF 4707 (Dibble, DFL – Minneapolis) aims to limit the harms associated with conversion therapy, particularly for minors and vulnerable populations.
SF 4706 would establish a civil cause of action for individuals who were subjected to conversion therapy as minors. The bill would allow affected individuals to seek damages for harm suffered because of these practices, creating a mechanism for accountability.
SF 4707 would prohibit health plan coverage of conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults. Supporters say this measure ensures that non-evidence-based and potentially harmful practices are not funded or legitimized within the healthcare system.
MMA board member Hunter Cantrell, testified in support of SF 4607, stating: “Conversion therapy is blatantly unethical and harms the overall medical profession when any practitioner is allowed to hurt patients through the practice. Conversion therapy deceives parents and patients alike into believing they are spending money on legitimate healthcare services at a time when healthcare costs are already sky high.”
MMA submitted letters of support for both SF 4706 and SF 47607, emphasizing that conversion therapy is not grounded in medical science and poses significant risks to patient health and well-being. The MMA cited a broad consensus among leading medical and mental health organizations, including the AMA and the American Psychological Association, that such practices lack clinical effectiveness and are associated with adverse outcomes, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality.
SF 4706 was recommended to pass and referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety. SF 4707 was recommended to pass and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
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An amended piece of legislation that would exempt buprenorphine from prior authorization (PA) was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on April 9.
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On April 9, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard a bill that would require coverage for psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) services under Medical Assistance.
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On April 9, the House Taxes Committee heard legislation focused on supporting the financial stability and ongoing operations of Hennepin Healthcare.