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.
HB 1533 is an act to amend and reenact a section of the North Dakota Century Code related to education. This bill specifically addresses the curriculum for financial literacy and concepts of personal finance within the state's schools. It would directly affect North Dakota students by modifying the educational requirements for these subjects.
Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for the misuse of education savings account funds and the establishment of the education savings account program; to amend and reenact section 15.1‑20‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to exceptions to compulsory school attendance; to provide a penalty; to provide an appropriation; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
SB 2234 appropriates $2 million from North Dakota's general fund for competitive grants to school districts to help high school students meet the state's "choice ready" framework. The bill requires school districts to apply with specific plans showing how grant funds will develop students' skills for postsecondary education, careers, or military service - directly affecting school districts and their high school students. Funds cannot cover general supplies or equipment but must support targeted experiences like career training or college preparation. The grants are intended for the 2025-2027 biennium and align with the state's goal of ensuring all students graduate prepared for life after high school.
SB 2286 proposes authorizing the University of North Dakota (UND) to borrow up to $55 million through a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota during 2025-2027, with interest capped at rates for state entities. It also appropriates $95 million in one-time funding for UND to construct a new health sciences facility at its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The facility aims to expand health workforce capacity in areas like behavioral health and wellness, while supporting research and academic programs. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on April 8, 2025, with 6 votes in favor and 87 against.
HB 1510 creates new sections in North Dakota's state law requiring public school districts to provide financial planning resources for new teachers during their first year. It also mandates that school districts establish onsite child care options for teachers with children attending those schools. The bill includes a separate provision directing the legislature to conduct a management study on administrative practices. These changes directly affect new teachers and school districts across North Dakota.
SB 2353 amends North Dakota law to define required services for regional education associations (REAs) seeking state funding and streamline contracting for these services. It mandates that REAs must provide professional development coordination, technology support, school improvement assistance, student data analysis help, and curriculum enrichment to member school districts (Section 15.1-09.1-02.1). The bill also adds contracts between the Department of Public Instruction and REAs to an exception list in state procurement rules, allowing direct contracting without standard competitive bidding (Section 54-44.4-02). This directly affects school districts participating in REAs and the state's education funding structure. The changes aim to clarify REA service obligations and simplify administrative processes for education support.
HB 1381 revises North Dakota's school funding formula to determine state aid for public school districts. It establishes a baseline funding amount using 2017-18 revenue data (including property taxes, tuition, mineral revenue, and other specific income sources) and calculates per-student funding based on this baseline. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the bill requires a 40% reduction in excess funding for districts exceeding the baseline, with annual reduction increases of 15% until the baseline per student matches the state's fixed payment rate. This affects all North Dakota public school districts by changing how their state aid is calculated and potentially reducing funding for those with higher historical revenue.
HB 1497 amends North Dakota law to adjust age requirements for four-year-old early childhood programs and update eligibility for the "Best in Class" program. It allows school districts to enroll children who turn four by December 1st (instead of August 1st) based on developmental assessments, directly affecting preschool programs and families of young children. To qualify for "Best in Class" designation, programs must meet specific standards including 400+ hours over 32 weeks, 10+ hours of family engagement, and quality benchmarks. The law affects school districts, early childhood providers, and families seeking program access or state-funded recognition.
Relating to a legacy fund school construction assistance loan fund; to amend and reenact section 21‑10‑11, relating to the legacy and budget stabilization fund advisory board; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
