HB 1172 would require a student's home school district to pay fees for distance education courses if the student's regular school doesn't offer the course during the semester or at a time that fits the student's preferred schedule. This directly affects students enrolled in distance education through North Dakota's Center for Distance Education and their home school districts. The bill specifies that districts must cover these fees instead of charging the student or their parent/guardian when course availability conflicts with the student's schedule. The policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for students seeking specific courses not available at their home school.
HB 1516 would require North Dakota public school boards to include 1-2 non-voting "board observers" who are current educational employees (like teachers or support staff) from the school district. These observers would represent staff interests at board meetings, participate in discussions, and provide summaries of meetings to the district's education association. The bill specifies observers must be appointed annually by the education association and cannot attend meetings about their own employment. This bill directly affects school boards, educational employees, and their associations by creating a formal channel for staff input in school governance.
HB 1536 allocates $1.5 million to North Dakota's Department of Public Instruction to develop and implement a K-12 Native American history curriculum across all public schools. The funding is divided: $600,000 for curriculum development with tribal collaboration, $300,000 for teacher training, $500,000 for educational materials, and $100,000 for oversight. It requires a tribal advisory committee and mandates equitable resource distribution, especially for rural and underfunded schools. The bill also requires a 2026 progress report to the legislature on implementation and effectiveness.
HB 1590 would create a pilot program allowing North Dakota parents to open student education services accounts for K-12 children. Parents could deposit up to $2,000 annually per child, with the Bank of North Dakota matching 50% of those deposits. Funds could cover authorized expenses like career courses, tutoring, mental health services, and approved educational materials, with unused funds rolling over yearly. The pilot, running 2025-2027 with $41.2 million in state funding, would close accounts if students leave the state or don't pursue higher education, requiring parent refunds for contributed amounts.
HB 1145 requires all North Dakota state colleges and public school classrooms to display the full text of the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document measuring at least 11x14 inches, centered with a large readable font. The bill mandates this display in every classroom and building under state educational institutions and school districts, specifying the exact wording and physical requirements. It allows schools to use public funds or donated funds to purchase these displays. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but failed to pass during its second reading on February 12, 2025, with 38 votes in favor and 53 against.
Relating to a higher education infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide an appropriation; to provide a transfer; and to provide for a legislative management report.
HB 1517 would create the North Dakota Student Teacher Scholarship Program to support future educators. It directs the state board of higher education to administer $4.2 million in state funds (for 2025-2027) to provide scholarships of up to $3,000 per semester toward tuition and fees for student teachers enrolled in state-approved teacher preparation programs during their student teaching experience. Eligibility requires enrollment in such a program, satisfactory academic progress, and no existing teaching license. The program would directly benefit undergraduate student teachers pursuing initial teaching licensure in North Dakota.
HB 1221 proposes allocating $24 million from North Dakota's general fund to the state board of higher education for workforce education innovation funds, to be distributed to eligible institutions during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provides direct funding for programs aimed at enhancing workforce training and education initiatives, primarily affecting community colleges and vocational schools eligible to receive these grants. It does not create new programs but establishes a funding mechanism for existing or planned workforce development efforts. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 11, 2025, with no support (0 yeas, 91 nays).
HB 1618 would have provided $1,387,256 in state funds to North Dakota's Department of Public Instruction to administer infrastructure grants for tribal elementary and secondary schools during the 2025-2027 biennium. To receive a grant, tribal schools would have needed to contribute $346,814 in matching funds for their projects. The bill failed to pass the legislature on February 10, 2025, with 4 votes in favor and 86 against.
Relating to establishing a grant program for the education of nonbeneficiary students attending tribally controlled schools; and to amend and reenact section 54‑40.2‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to authorization for public agencies and tribes to enter an agreement.
