The committee advanced House Bill 14‑30 as amended after lengthy debate about whether the measure would allow conversion therapy and how it would interact with professional‑ethics rules.

Supporters said the amendments narrow the bill to target practices the committee understood the profession already treats as unethical, while opponents — including licensed social workers — warned the language could unintentionally criminalize or create ethical conflicts for clinicians who provide counseling to people who are questioning.

The amendments, introduced by Representative Belinski and explained by Representative Freilich, drew sustained comment from Representatives Dobrevich, Novovich and others about scope. Representative Dobrevich said the intent was to “define what we don't like, and then, also let people know that they're allowed to engage if that person is questioning,” and that the definition used language modeled on a Minnesota Department of Health definition. Representative Novovich, who identified herself as a social worker in the hearing, said the amendments “are still an ethical violation for me to engage in anything that's included in the scope” and said she would vote no.

Other members raised concerns that the bill, as drafted, could apply to social workers who are not licensed clinical therapists. Representative Fegley and Representative O'Rourke said the bill's language did not clearly limit practice to clinicians with therapy training, and that could put some providers outside their scope of practice.

Committee chair Ruby proposed seeking a quick response from the Board of Social Work before final action; members agreed to hold further consideration overnight and reconvene the next morning. The committee approved the amendments in a roll call (motion carries 10‑3‑0) and then voted to advance the bill as amended.

The discussion included repeated references to a 2021 Administrative Code action and to professional ethical standards. Members said they expect continued debate and possible legal challenges regardless of the committee's vote.

Votes at the committee on the amendments and on the due‑pass motion produced the recorded roll calls. The chair said staff would attempt to contact the Board of Social Work to determine whether additional clarifying language is advisable before the bill moves to Appropriations.

The committee did not adopt further policy changes at this meeting; members left open the possibility of additional amendments or working with licensing boards before final floor action.