SB 2404 provides $1.5 million to North Dakota's Information Technology Department to update state websites and digital content for compliance with federal accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It also allocates $325,000 to the Public Service Commission for legal costs related to a federal lawsuit, with a contingent loan option available if funds are insufficient. Both appropriations are one-time allocations valid through June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies managing digital services and legal proceedings, with no broader public policy changes beyond funding specific agency needs.
SB 2256 creates a new grant program in North Dakota for research technology parks, providing state funding to support these facilities. It directly affects eligible entities like universities, research institutions, or private developers seeking to establish or expand technology-focused park projects within the state. The bill authorizes a specific appropriation (funding allocation) for these grants and requires grantees to submit a report on program outcomes. This legislation establishes a formal mechanism for state financial support of research infrastructure development.
HB 1448 creates a new section in North Dakota state law to establish an Advanced Technology Review Committee, an Advanced Technology Grant Program, and a dedicated grant fund. The bill sets up a formal system for awarding grants to support advanced technology initiatives, with the committee managing applications and the fund providing financial resources. This directly affects organizations, businesses, or institutions seeking funding for technology projects within the state. The key mechanism is the creation of a structured, state-funded program to advance technology development through grants.
Relating to the definition of a public library, required safety policies and technology protection measures, and the state's attorney's review of public libraries, school districts, and state agencies for compliance with statutes protecting minors from explicit sexual material; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑27.1‑01, subsection 2 of section 12.1‑27.1‑03.1, and sections 12.1‑27.1‑03.5 and 12.1‑27.1‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide for a report to the legislative management; and to provide a penalty.
HB 1542 designates student applications for admission to institutions of higher education as exempt records. This means that personal information submitted by students as part of their application process will not be subject to public disclosure laws. The bill aims to protect the privacy of applicants to North Dakota colleges and universities. It also includes an emergency declaration, indicating an immediate need for the change.
SB 2016 appropriates $6.7 million from North Dakota's general fund for Job Service North Dakota to cover salaries, operations, and other expenses during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill also includes $76 million in total funding (from general, federal, and other sources) to support job services, including $10.9 million specifically for modernizing the state's unemployment insurance computer system. This funding directly affects Job Service North Dakota's operations, enabling it to maintain staff, cover daily costs, and upgrade its unemployment claims processing technology. The bill does not create new policies but provides financial resources for existing services and infrastructure.
Relating to the financial institution data security program; and to amend and reenact sections 6‑01‑04.1 and 6‑01‑04.2, subsection 7 of section 6‑03‑02, sections 13‑04.1‑01.1, 13‑04.1‑11.1, 13‑05‑07.1, 13‑08‑10, 13‑08‑11.1, and 13‑09.1‑14, subsection 3 of section 13‑09.1‑17, sections 13‑09.1‑38 and 13‑10‑05, subsection 1 of section 13‑11‑10, section 13‑12‑19, subsections 6, 21, and 22 of section 13‑13‑01, and sections 13‑13‑04 and 13‑13‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the department of financial institutions, financial institutions, response to department requests, renewal of licenses, orders to cease and desist, issuance of licenses, revocation of licenses, and exemptions from licenses.
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 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.
Relating to data security requirements for insurance producers; and to repeal section 26.1‑02.2‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to implementation dates for certain data security requirements for insurance producers.
