HB 1604 creates a new state program to fund K-12 school construction in North Dakota, directly affecting school districts seeking state assistance for new buildings. To qualify, districts must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating renovation costs exceed 60% of new construction costs, having a failed referendum for construction/renovation within a set timeframe, and securing their share of funding. The bill establishes tiered state funding rates (from 5% to 95% of costs) based on a district’s property tax valuation ("mill value"), with a $600 million appropriation allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium. It also requires districts to use state-appointed architectural firms meeting strict in-state criteria and mandates plans for long-term building maintenance. The program expires on July 1, 2035.
HB 1129 appropriates $1.25 million for a study on student attendance and absenteeism in North Dakota public schools (K-12) during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill requires the superintendent of public instruction, with input from a research team, to analyze existing data, identify strategies used in high-attendance districts, and develop recommendations to address chronic absenteeism. It mandates a legislative report with findings and proposed legislation by September 1, 2026. The bill failed to pass on February 25, 2025, with 2 votes in favor and 88 against.
Relating to providing breakfast and lunch to all students of participating entities, including school districts, nonpublic schools, and tribal schools, at no cost to the student.
HB 1569 requires North Dakota public school districts to provide sex trafficking awareness and prevention instruction to all students at least once before graduating high school, starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill mandates that curriculum must cover victim demographics, accurate definitions of trafficking, reporting systems, risk identification, and recognizing grooming signs, while including medically and legally accurate information. School districts must use curriculum approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the instruction may be integrated into existing courses starting in grade seven. The bill directly affects all K-12 students and school districts in North Dakota through mandatory curriculum implementation.
HB 1449 would require North Dakota school districts to provide one full-time school counselor for every 300 students in grades 7-12 (already in effect) and expand this to include grades K-6 starting in the 2022-23 school year. The bill allows up to one-third of the required counselor positions to be filled by certified career advisors, defined as individuals with specific credentials from the Department of Career and Technical Education. School districts would need to document recruitment efforts, explore alternatives like shared services or virtual counseling if positions aren't filled, and provide this documentation upon request. The bill directly affects all public school districts in North Dakota and their students in grades K-12.
HB 1172 would require a student's home school district to pay fees for distance education courses if the student's regular school doesn't offer the course during the semester or at a time that fits the student's preferred schedule. This directly affects students enrolled in distance education through North Dakota's Center for Distance Education and their home school districts. The bill specifies that districts must cover these fees instead of charging the student or their parent/guardian when course availability conflicts with the student's schedule. The policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for students seeking specific courses not available at their home school.
HB 1516 would require North Dakota public school boards to include 1-2 non-voting "board observers" who are current educational employees (like teachers or support staff) from the school district. These observers would represent staff interests at board meetings, participate in discussions, and provide summaries of meetings to the district's education association. The bill specifies observers must be appointed annually by the education association and cannot attend meetings about their own employment. This bill directly affects school boards, educational employees, and their associations by creating a formal channel for staff input in school governance.
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.
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 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.
