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 The legislation, signed into law on March 24, 2025, replaces outdated provisions to modernize virtual education governance.
SB 2043 amends North Dakota law to require immediate revocation of a teaching license for educators convicted of crimes against children or sexual offenses. The bill directly affects current and future teachers who face such convictions, removing the previous requirement for a separate license review process. Key provisions change Section 15.1-13-26 of the North Dakota Century Code to mandate automatic license revocation upon conviction for these specific crimes. The law, signed by the Governor on March 14, 2025, takes effect immediately upon conviction, ensuring educators convicted of these offenses can no longer teach without further administrative delay.
HB 1357 amends North Dakota law to strengthen student data privacy protections for school districts. It requires school boards to adopt written policies mandating permission from the board before sharing student data with non-employees (except parents or as legally required), allowing data sharing with state entities only through formal agreements, and requiring districts to maintain and publicly provide lists of all individuals and personnel with data access. The law directly affects all North Dakota public school districts by establishing clear, enforceable rules for handling student information. These provisions aim to increase transparency and control over how student data is used and shared.
HB 1178 requires North Dakota school districts to create policies allowing students who are qualified voters (18+ and registered) to leave campus during school hours to vote in elections. The policy must include conditions like time limits for absence or designated voting periods. This law directly affects high school students eligible to vote, enabling them to participate in elections without missing class. The bill became effective after being signed by the Governor on March 14, 2025. It establishes a concrete requirement for school districts to facilitate student voting access.
HCR 3023 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the North Dakota legislature to affirm its commitment to maintaining essential state services like education, law enforcement, and public health regardless of federal funding changes. It urges state agencies to assess risks from federal funding shifts and seek solutions, while also calling for collaboration with tribal nations and advocacy with federal partners. The resolution does not create new funding or alter existing laws - it is a non-binding statement of legislative intent. It was introduced in January 2025, advanced through committee, but ultimately failed to pass on February 20, 2025.
HB 1457 would create a new exemption allowing individuals to avoid required vaccines (for school, work, or licensing) if the vaccine doesn't meet specific safety and effectiveness standards. These standards require the FDA-approved vaccine to have undergone at least one year of safety testing against a placebo, with injury data publicly posted, a lower risk of serious harm than the disease itself, and manufacturer liability for deaths or injuries. The North Dakota Department of Health must publicize this exemption and prohibit state agencies from requiring conditions inconsistent with it. The bill failed to pass during its second reading in February 2025.
HB 1490 requires North Dakota school counselors to undergo periodic psychological evaluations by licensed psychologists to ensure they can safely and effectively provide student services. The bill mandates that counselors must obtain documentation from a psychologist confirming they lack conditions impairing their ability to work with students, with evaluations valid for two years. This applies specifically to licensed school counselors working in North Dakota public schools. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 19, 2025, with 18 votes in favor and 74 against.
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.
