Healthcare

HB 1030 renames "drug court" programs to "treatment court" across multiple North Dakota statutes, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures. It directly affects courts, judges, and individuals participating in these specialized programs by updating terminology in legal codes. The bill does not create new programs or funding but adjusts existing court procedures to align with the treatment-focused approach. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor on March 14, 2025, and is now effective.

HB 1108 amends North Dakota law to update rules for interstate contracts allowing mental health and substance use disorder treatment across state lines. It directly affects patients needing care outside North Dakota and healthcare providers coordinating treatment with other states. The bill establishes clearer requirements for these contracts, ensuring proper legal agreements between states to facilitate seamless patient care. The emergency declaration reflects the urgency of addressing gaps in cross-state treatment access for vulnerable populations.

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 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 1349 proposes capping noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in North Dakota health care malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 initially, with scheduled annual increases to $1.5 million (2026), $2 million (2027), and $2.5 million (2028). It directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and healthcare providers facing such lawsuits, while exempting claims involving unborn fetuses. The bill requires courts to reduce jury awards to meet the cap without informing juries of the limit. The legislation failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on February 7, 2025, with 30 votes in favor and 61 against.