January 19, 2023
Legislation (HF 16 - Hollins, DFL – St. Paul), that would prohibit the use of conversion therapy for individuals under the age of 18 received its first committee hearing in the Minnesota House of Representatives on January 18.
Similar legislation has passed the House in previous sessions. However, the bill never received a hearing in the Senate during that time, and therefore never became law in Minnesota. With current DFL control of the Minnesota House and Senate, the bill is likely to be heard in both bodies, and is on route to passing this year.
“Conversion therapy can lead to poor self-esteem, self-harm, guilt, anxiety, depression, and possibly suicide, all while being wholly ineffective in its intended purpose,” stated MMA President Will Nicholson, MD, in the MMA’s letter of support for HF 16. “There is no scientific evidence to support a need for conversion therapy. The concept of conversion therapy lacks scientific credibility and clinical usefulness.”
Several specialty medical societies, including the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Pediatricians, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, also shared letters of support for HF 16.
On a 7-5 party line vote, HF 16 was referred to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
November 5, 2026
Minnesota Democrats had a strong showing on Election Day, November 3, expanding their majority in the Senate, and breaking the two-year tie in the House to regain control of both chambers.
November 5, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported on October 29 that the number of measles cases in Minnesota for 2026 has reached a total of 80 cases — the most the state has seen in a single year since 1990.
November 5, 2026
On October 29, a federal judge ruled that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) exceeded its authority when it restricted the definition of medical frailty – for the purpose of Medicaid work requirement exemptions– beyond the language in statute H.R. 1 (i.e., the One Big Beautiful Bill Act).