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.
HB 1098 amends North Dakota's scholarship program for students pursuing teaching careers by updating the terms under Section 15.1-21-02.10 of the North Dakota Century Code. The bill revises eligibility requirements and funding details for undergraduate students training to become teachers. It directly affects North Dakota residents enrolled in teaching-focused degree programs. The bill also declares an emergency to expedite its implementation.
SB 2392 would prohibit public colleges and universities in North Dakota from requiring certain "prohibited submissions" (like mandatory statements about personal identity characteristics) or "prohibited training" (such as mandatory diversity workshops) as conditions for employment, admission, graduation, or state financial aid. The bill defines prohibited practices as those promoting differential treatment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal identity characteristics, including policies labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI). Exceptions apply for requirements under federal law, and institutions must report any federal-mandated submissions to the state board of higher education. The law would take effect in 2026, with the board conducting biennial compliance reviews.
SB 2170 would create a North Dakota scholarship program for military reserve members attending college. It would cover full tuition at state-funded institutions or the average tuition at private schools for eligible applicants who are active reserve members (army, navy, marine corps, air force, coast guard, or space force), enrolled full-time in degree programs, without a bachelor's degree, and not previously receiving certain other military education benefits. The scholarship would be awarded regardless of financial need, with recipients limited to 48 eligibility units (equivalent to 4 years of full-time study). Applicants would need to apply for federal military education aid first, and the program would allow military call-ups to pause studies without academic penalty.
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.
Relating to student financial assistance grants, dual-credit tuition scholarships, and the scholars program; to amend and reenact sections 15‑10‑38.1, 15‑10‑38.2, 15‑63‑05, and 15.1‑21‑02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship programs, Native American scholarships, and the North Dakota scholarship; and to provide an appropriation.
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 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.
