HB 1627 proposed appropriating $7 million to fund free school meals for eligible students during the 2026-27 school year. It would have provided meals at no cost to students in public or nonpublic schools whose household income is below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill aimed to cover meal expenses through grants to school districts, with funding effective July 1, 2026. The legislation failed to pass in January 2026, receiving 45 votes in favor and 48 against. This was a funding measure, not a procedural resolution, and would have directly affected low-income students and school districts.
SB 2330 requires public and tribal schools in North Dakota to implement human trafficking prevention and awareness education for students. The bill creates a new legal section in the state code mandating this education as part of school curriculum. It directly affects all students attending public schools and tribal schools across the state. The law focuses on providing age-appropriate education to help students recognize and avoid trafficking situations.
Relating to presidential searches and the state commissioner of higher education; to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 6‑09‑53, subdivision a of subsection 1 of section 15‑10‑17, subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 15‑10‑48, subdivisions a and c of subsection 1 of section 15‑10‑48.2, subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 15‑10‑49, subsection 1 of section 15‑10‑75, subsection 1 of the new section to chapter 15‑10, as created by section 1 of House Bill No. 1437, as approved by the sixty‑ninth legislative assembly, paragraph 3 of subdivision h of subsection 1 of section 15‑18.2‑02, subsection 2 of section 15‑18.2‑03, subsection 1 of section 15‑18.2‑05, section 15‑54.1‑04, subsection 2 of section 15‑62.5‑03, and section 54‑44.1‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, sections 6 and 7 of chapter 126 of the 2021 Session Laws, sections 7, 8, and 9 of chapter 3 of the 2023 Session Laws, and subsection 17 of section 1 of chapter 550 of the 2021 Special Session Session Laws, relating to the powers and duties of the state board of higher education, the economic diversification research fund, matching grants for the advancement of academics, the workforce education innovation program, academic tenure policy at institutions of higher education, state aid for institutions of higher education, university system capital building funds, the scholars program, the cancellation of unexpended appropriations, transfers from the Bank of North Dakota to the skilled workforce loan repayment program fund and the skilled workforce scholarship fund, transfers from the Bank of North Dakota to the skilled workforce loan repayment program fund, the skilled workforce scholarship fund, and to the state board of higher education for dual‑credit tuition scholarships, and funding for hyperbaric oxygen therapy; to repeal section 15‑10‑74 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the naming of the Bismarck state college polytechnic center; to authorize the state board of higher education to issue and sell bonds for capital projects; to provide for a transfer; to provide for the conveyance of real property; to provide for a legislative management higher education funding review committee; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.
SB 2019 appropriates $51.3 million from North Dakota's general fund for the Department of Career and Technical Education during the 2025-2027 biennium. The funding covers salaries, operating expenses, grants for secondary education, and specific programs like workforce training and STEM initiatives. It directly affects the department and regional organizations receiving $500,000 in workforce training grants, distributed as $230,000 to northwest, $40,000 to northeast, $120,000 to southwest, and $110,000 to southeast organizations. The bill provides no new policy changes but allocates existing funds for operational and program expenses.
Relating to an education savings account program for students who are not enrolled in public school or a homeschool program; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1247 proposes to create a new section within the North Dakota Century Code's chapter on school districts. This bill aims to establish specific protections for students who are victims of a sexual offense. It directly affects student victims and requires school districts to implement the new provisions designed to safeguard these students.
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.
Senate Bill 2241 proposes creating a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code to authorize and administer public charter schools. This bill establishes the framework for how these new types of public schools can be formed and operated within the state, directly affecting students, parents, and educational institutions. It outlines the processes for their authorization and ongoing management. Additionally, the legislation requires a report from legislative management concerning these new provisions.
Relating to eligibility for the skilled workforce student loan repayment program; and to amend and reenact subsection 4 of section 15‑10‑38.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to eligibility for the skilled workforce scholarship program.
HB 1527 would require all North Dakota public school districts to include Holocaust education in their U.S. history curriculum. The bill mandates that this education cover specific topics like the causes of the Holocaust, history of antisemitism, resistance efforts, U.S. involvement, and connections between intolerance and historical events. School districts must implement grade-appropriate lessons meeting these requirements, and the state superintendent must submit an annual report to the governor and legislature on compliance. This bill directly affects K-12 schools and students across North Dakota, aiming to ensure consistent educational content about the Holocaust. The bill failed to pass in April 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 24 against.
