Education

HCR 3023 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the North Dakota legislature to affirm its commitment to maintaining essential state services like education, law enforcement, and public health regardless of federal funding changes. It urges state agencies to assess risks from federal funding shifts and seek solutions, while also calling for collaboration with tribal nations and advocacy with federal partners. The resolution does not create new funding or alter existing laws - it is a non-binding statement of legislative intent. It was introduced in January 2025, advanced through committee, but ultimately failed to pass on February 20, 2025.

HB 1490 requires North Dakota school counselors to undergo periodic psychological evaluations by licensed psychologists to ensure they can safely and effectively provide student services. The bill mandates that counselors must obtain documentation from a psychologist confirming they lack conditions impairing their ability to work with students, with evaluations valid for two years. This applies specifically to licensed school counselors working in North Dakota public schools. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 19, 2025, with 18 votes in favor and 74 against.

HB 1358 proposes creating a new legal framework for public charter schools in North Dakota. It would require the state education official to develop application processes, review charter requests, set annual limits (12 schools for 2025-26, increasing to 15 later), and manage funding based on student enrollment. The bill mandates charter schools to follow state assessments, prohibits charging tuition or licensing to others, and requires community representation on school boards. It also specifies that charter schools would receive state per-student funding but not local tax revenue, and would be eligible for federal funding.

HB 1171 creates a scholarship program for dependents of North Dakota law enforcement family members, directly affecting eligible students whose parents or guardians are full-time law enforcement officers (including correctional officers, firefighters, EMS providers, or peace officers) with at least three years of service. The program covers 50% of tuition costs (minus other aid) at state higher education institutions, administered by the State Board of Higher Education. It appropriates $5 million from the general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium to fund these scholarships. The bill defines eligibility through tax dependency exemptions and enrollment at state-controlled colleges or universities.

HCR 3002 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow North Dakota to authorize and regulate sports betting within the state. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to permit the legislature to license and regulate sports betting on professional and college sports. All tax revenue generated from sports betting would be required to fund K-12 public schools. This change would directly affect all North Dakotans by altering the state's legal framework for gambling and directing new revenue toward public education.