HB 1536 allocates $1.5 million to North Dakota's Department of Public Instruction to develop and implement a K-12 Native American history curriculum across all public schools. The funding is divided: $600,000 for curriculum development with tribal collaboration, $300,000 for teacher training, $500,000 for educational materials, and $100,000 for oversight. It requires a tribal advisory committee and mandates equitable resource distribution, especially for rural and underfunded schools. The bill also requires a 2026 progress report to the legislature on implementation and effectiveness.
Relating to the creation of a tobacco tax distribution behavioral health fund and the collection, transfer, and report of a tax on electronic smoking devices and alternative tobacco products; to amend and reenact sections 57‑36‑01, 57‑36‑25, 57‑36‑26, 57‑36‑31, and 57‑36‑32 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the tax imposed on cigarettes and other tobacco products; to provide a penalty; and to provide an effective date.
Relating to a housing development loan fund; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
HB 1100 allocates $6 million from North Dakota's general fund to reimburse school districts for unpaid meal debt (outstanding charges for free or reduced-price meals) incurred before June 30, 2025. It directly affects school districts with delinquent meal debt by allowing the state to cover these costs using funds that can roll over into the 2025-2027 budget cycle. The bill requires the state superintendent to distribute reimbursements based on each district's share of statewide unpaid debt, capped at the district's actual debt amount. A legislative management report must detail the funds used, total debt by district, and reimbursement amounts.
HB 1285 adjusts compensation for North Dakota's permanent state employees, setting average 3% raises in 2025-26 and 2% in 2026-27, based on performance (excluding probationary staff and underperformers). It redirects $49.2 million - half the cost of prior higher raises - to the teachers' retirement fund for a one-time supplemental payment to eligible retirees. The bill requires state agencies to follow specific guidelines for implementing these raises and mandates the transfer to the teachers' fund during the 2025-27 biennium. It directly affects eligible state employees receiving raises and retirees receiving the supplemental payment.
Relating to a higher education infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide an appropriation; to provide a transfer; and to provide for a legislative management report.
HB 1353 would limit how much property taxes can increase annually for North Dakota taxing districts (like cities, counties, and school districts) without voter approval. It caps annual increases at either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with specific exceptions for new taxable property, changes in exemptions, or existing debt payments. Taxing districts could carry forward unused increases for up to three years but must seek voter approval (60%+ vote) for any increase exceeding the cap. The bill would apply to all taxing districts except for certain bonded debt payments, state medical center levies, and specific conservation district taxes.
Relating to the determination of state school aid, the primary residence credit, and removal of the homestead and disabled veterans' credit; to repeal sections 57‑02‑08.1, 57‑02‑08.2, and 57‑02‑08.8 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the homestead credit and disabled veterans' credit; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
HB 1553 requires all North Dakota public and nonpublic schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student, eliminating meal debt restrictions that previously barred students with unpaid balances from meals or activities. It prohibits schools from stigmatizing students based on meal payment status (e.g., using tokens or public lists) or denying participation in school activities due to meal debt. The bill appropriates $140 million from the legacy earnings fund to the Department of Public Instruction for school meal grants, covering the 2025-2027 biennium. This policy directly affects all K-12 students and schools receiving state meal funding, ensuring universal access to meals without financial barriers.
HB 1517 would create the North Dakota Student Teacher Scholarship Program to support future educators. It directs the state board of higher education to administer $4.2 million in state funds (for 2025-2027) to provide scholarships of up to $3,000 per semester toward tuition and fees for student teachers enrolled in state-approved teacher preparation programs during their student teaching experience. Eligibility requires enrollment in such a program, satisfactory academic progress, and no existing teaching license. The program would directly benefit undergraduate student teachers pursuing initial teaching licensure in North Dakota.
