MINOT, ND (KXNET) — A new bill has been introduced to regulate social workers in North Dakota, particularly concerning their counseling of individuals questioning their sexuality or gender identity. House Bill 1430, if passed, would allow licensed professionals in North Dakota to provide counseling or treatment plans as long as these plans align with heterosexuality or the individual's biological sex. The bill would also require counselors to disclose the nature of the treatment and obtain consent from the individual or their parent or guardian before proceeding. Representative Lori VanWinkle (R-Minot) introduced the bill. She cited a statistic to explain why she did so. Tax break bill for food service workers fails in the House "Up to 90% of adolescents who go through a struggle with the issues of sexual preference or gender identity come to identify with their biological gender upon puberty," said VanWinkle. The chair of North Dakota's Board of Social Work Examiners, Jennifer Boeckel, opposes the bill, arguing that conversion therapy is an ethical violation in the state. The House killed a similar bill in 2023 by a 35-56 vote. No action has yet been taken on the new bill. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW