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.
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.
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 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.
HB 1134 prohibits the intentional online sharing of personally identifying information (like addresses, Social Security numbers, or phone numbers) to intimidate, harass, or frighten someone or their household or immediate family members. It defines "dissemination" as posting such information online or in public forums, and makes violations a class A misdemeanor, with harsher penalties (up to a class A felony) if the act causes bodily injury, serious harm, or death. The law applies to all electronic communications originating in or accessible within North Dakota and directly affects individuals targeted by such online harassment. Penalties increase based on the severity of harm caused, aiming to protect victims from digital intimidation campaigns.
Relating to the cost of digital forensic examinations and the establishment of an internet crime investigation fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a penalty.
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.
