AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 15-20.2-07 and 15.1-09-33.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of center boards and the authority of a school board to pay a first-year signing bonus for teachers; and to declare an emergency.

Added eligibility requirement that bonus recipients must not have been employed in the newly assigned role by the school district before, and for center boards, must not have been a classroom teacher in the state during the previous school year.

Added requirement that signing bonuses may not be paid until the individual is licensed and qualified for the newly assigned role by the education standards and practices board.

Added restriction that bonuses may not be used for individuals employed the prior year in the same role by another school district until they have been employed in the district for two years.

Modified payment options to allow bonuses to be paid in one lump sum or in installments over up to five years from the date of contract signing.

Added detailed powers and duties for center boards, including specific authority to offer first-year signing bonuses to new hires.