HB 1145 North Dakota House · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new sections to chapter 15-10, a new section to chapter 15.1-09, and a new section to chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to displays of the ten commandments in state educational institutions and public schools.

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.

Issues: ✗ Education

Bill status passed 2 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

House Failed

Feb 2025

Governor

Introduced Jan 7, 2025 Last action Feb 12, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

INTRODUCED → FIRST ENGROSSMENT · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add a new provision allowing individual professors and teachers to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms without seeking administrative approval, and to add a new section for public school districts. The state board of higher education's display requirement was changed from classrooms to cafeterias, and the funding language was modified to require the use of donated funds rather than allowing state funds. A new provision was added allowing private law firms to provide free legal defense for constitutional challenges.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include individual classroom displays by professors and teachers at institutions of higher education, and to require displays in school district cafeterias rather than all classrooms and buildings.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the required display location for the state board of higher education from all classrooms to cafeterias only, with optional additional locations at the institution's discretion.

Added a new provision requiring school districts to display the Ten Commandments in cafeteria locations rather than all classrooms and buildings.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a new provision allowing individual professors, instructors, and teachers at institutions of higher education to display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms without seeking approval from supervisory authorities.

FISCAL

Changed the funding language to require that donated funds be used to purchase displays rather than allowing the use of state funds or donated funds.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a provision allowing private law firms to provide free legal services to defend constitutional challenges to the bill.

TECHNICAL

Changed the section numbers from 25.0359.02000 to 25.0359.05000 to reflect the addition of new sections.

Floor votes · House Feb 13, 2025

How they voted

38–51

Failed · 3 other

Total votes 92

Feb 13, 2025

D Democratic11

11 Nay

100% Nay

R Republican81

38 Yea 40 Nay 3

49% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 13, 2025

Vote failed

House Vote: fail (38-51-3)

house

Feb 11, 2025

Lower · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

lower

Feb 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 12 2 0

lower

Jan 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Hearing 10:00

lower

Jan 7, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

lower

1 primary · 11 co-sponsors