HB 1220 would establish a new "North Dakota accelerated degree" program for high-demand occupations within the state's education code. This program would allow students to earn credentials more quickly in fields with significant workforce needs, directly benefiting students seeking faster entry into these careers. The key mechanism is creating a new section in North Dakota's Century Code (Chapter 15-10) to formally authorize and structure these accelerated pathways. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to streamline education-to-employment for specific high-demand occupations.
HB 1200 amends North Dakota's high school graduation requirements to require one unit of computer science or cybersecurity (subdivision h) for all students, effective after July 31, 2025. It allows schools to grant credit for up to one unit of coursework under "emergent circumstances" (e.g., natural disasters disrupting normal education) by substituting alternative courses like dual-credit or electives. This applies to students in North Dakota public and nonpublic high schools who demonstrate such emergencies. The bill also updates existing GED credit provisions but focuses primarily on creating flexibility for emergency disruptions to graduation requirements.
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 1238 amends North Dakota's teaching license rules to require teachers with lifetime licenses to report certain information to the Education Standards Board every five years. Specifically, it mandates that these teachers submit a report disclosing any criminal violations since their last report or any issues that could lead to license revocation. The report must be provided in a board-prescribed format but cannot cost the teacher anything. This change directly affects North Dakota teachers who have held a teaching license for 30 years and received lifetime licensure.
SB 2362 amends North Dakota's school accreditation rules to give public and nonpublic schools two accreditation choices: the state's defined process or nationally recognized accrediting organizations approved by the superintendent. The superintendent must establish a selection process involving education stakeholders (like school administrators and boards) and periodically review each option's effectiveness in improving student achievement. Schools can choose the option best matching their instructional goals, but all must meet state standards for education quality and provide measurable student outcome data. The law ensures accreditation directly supports state education goals while offering flexibility to schools.
SB 2149 updates North Dakota's School Construction Assistance Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Bank of North Dakota, to provide low-interest loans for public school construction and remodeling projects. It sets maximum loan amounts: up to $15 million for projects under $75 million (or 80% of cost if district funds exceed limits), up to $30 million for larger projects, and up to $20 million for projects on air force bases. The bill requires school districts to meet specific eligibility criteria, including project cost thresholds ($1 million minimum), approval from the superintendent, community voting, and prioritization based on student needs, building age, and safety. Loans carry a 2% interest rate with a 20-year term, and the fund is replenished by repayments to support future school construction.
HB 1164 revises North Dakota's definition of "Student with a disability" in special education law to clarify which students qualify for services. The bill explicitly lists 11 specific disability categories, including autism, deafness, learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury, that now qualify for special education support. This change directly affects students aged 3-21 in North Dakota public schools who require specialized instruction due to these conditions. The bill was signed into law by Governor on March 21, 2025, and filed with the Secretary of State.
HB 1529 adds Peace Corps volunteers to North Dakota's list of individuals eligible for resident tuition rates at state universities. Specifically, it amends the state code to include "an individual certified by the director of the Peace Corps as having served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps volunteer" under the definition of a "resident student." This change directly affects Peace Corps volunteers who wish to attend North Dakota colleges or universities at in-state tuition rates. The bill does not alter existing eligibility categories for veterans, military members, or other groups.
HB 1105 amends Section 15.1-07-25.4 of the North Dakota Century Code to update school districts' rules for virtual learning programs. The bill clarifies requirements for how districts must operate and manage virtual education options, including student eligibility and instructional standards. It directly affects all public school districts in North Dakota by establishing standardized policies for virtual learning. The legislation, signed into law on March 24, 2025, replaces outdated provisions to modernize virtual education governance.
This bill proposes amending North Dakota's Constitution to allow $300 million annually from the common schools trust fund for statewide school construction over 10 years ($3 billion total). It modifies how distributions are calculated, requiring annual payments based on trust fund value while adding a fixed $600 million biennial allocation (split yearly) specifically for school construction under state programs. The change would directly affect public schools by providing dedicated funding for new buildings and renovations. The amendment must be voted on by North Dakota voters in 2026 after failing to pass the legislature (15 yeas, 77 nays) in March 2025.
