SB 2332 creates a new $25 million annual fund from state legacy earnings to support emergency services and public safety across North Dakota. The bill establishes an advisory board with representatives from fire, police, EMS, local governments, and tribal entities to award grants for specific priorities like recruiting personnel, modernizing response systems, expanding mental health crisis teams, and improving communications technology. These grants will directly assist local emergency services providers, rural fire districts, tribal governments, and communities seeking to enhance public safety coverage. The fund is funded through a dedicated annual transfer from the legacy earnings fund, with the Department of Emergency Services administering the grant program.
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 1038 appropriates $15 million to replace state-owned uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that don’t meet federal security requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act and American Security Drone Act of 2023. It requires state agencies to return outdated UAVs to the uncrewed aircraft systems test site for disposal or sale, while providing new compliant UAVs, staff training, and a centralized registration system for agencies. The bill also allocates $11 million for a state radar data pathfinder program to integrate federal radar data with state UAV operations, enhance security protocols, and improve safety and infrastructure. Both programs require reports by June 2026 detailing implementation, costs, and compliance needs. The bill directly affects state agencies using UAVs and aims to ensure federal regulatory compliance.
SB 2300 would require North Dakota public schools to provide secure containers for students to store personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or smartwatches) during the school day. Students must turn off and place devices in these containers upon arrival, with exceptions for documented medical needs. The bill allocates $1.89 million to fund the secure containers for the 2025-2027 biennium. It directly affects all K-12 students and schools in North Dakota, mandating a specific storage process during school hours.
SB 2178 amends North Dakota's election laws to update how voter data is stored and accessed. It specifies that the central voter file must include personal details like name, address, voting history, and driver's license numbers, while restricting access to certain data fields for political candidates and parties. The bill clarifies that only designated voter information (such as address and election preferences) can be used for election-related purposes, and "secured active" voter records remain private. It also standardizes absentee ballot application requirements for primary elections. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for voter file management.
