Rep. Jim Jonas

Maddy summaryHB 1238 amends North Dakota's teaching license rules to require teachers with lifetime licenses to report certain information to the Education Standards Board every five years. Specifically, it mandates that these teachers submit a report disclosing any criminal violations since their last report or any issues that could lead to license revocation. The report must be provided in a board-prescribed format but cannot cost the teacher anything. This change directly affects North Dakota teachers who have held a teaching license for 30 years and received lifetime licensure.

Maddy summarySB 2362 amends North Dakota's school accreditation rules to give public and nonpublic schools two accreditation choices: the state's defined process or nationally recognized accrediting organizations approved by the superintendent. The superintendent must establish a selection process involving education stakeholders (like school administrators and boards) and periodically review each option's effectiveness in improving student achievement. Schools can choose the option best matching their instructional goals, but all must meet state standards for education quality and provide measurable student outcome data. The law ensures accreditation directly supports state education goals while offering flexibility to schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1294 amends North Dakota's traffic code to adjust fees for moving violations, directly affecting drivers convicted of specific traffic offenses. It sets a base fee of $20 for most moving violations but increases fees for certain offenses, including $150 for a first violation of passing a stopped schoolbus (Section 39-10-46) and $750 for repeat violations within five years. The bill also specifies higher fees for other violations, such as $100 for speeding in school zones (Section 39-08-20) or $500 for certain commercial vehicle offenses (Section 39-10-59). These changes are codified in Sections 39-06.1-06, 39-10-46, and 39-10-46.1 of the North Dakota Century Code.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 creates a special education funding study committee to examine current funding models in North Dakota during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The committee, composed of legislators, school administrators, special education directors, and business managers, will review funding approaches including student contracts, high-cost student support, residential placements, and Medicaid reimbursement. It must submit findings and legislative recommendations to the 70th legislative assembly by the end of the interim period. This bill directly affects North Dakota's public school systems and special education programs by initiating a formal review of how funding is structured.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 amends Section 15.1-07-25.4 of the North Dakota Century Code to update school districts' rules for virtual learning programs. The bill clarifies requirements for how districts must operate and manage virtual education options, including student eligibility and instructional standards. It directly affects all public school districts in North Dakota by establishing standardized policies for virtual learning. The legislation, signed into law on March 24, 2025, replaces outdated provisions to modernize virtual education governance.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 allows North Dakota public and nonpublic schools to serve whole, two percent, and flavored pasteurized milk through bulk milk dispensers. This law overrides previous restrictions in school nutrition codes (chapters 4.1-05, 4.1-25, 4.1-26, 19-02.1, and 23-09) that previously limited milk options. School districts or approved nonpublic schools can now establish policies permitting these milk types in cafeterias. The bill directly affects school nutrition programs and student meal choices in North Dakota. It became law after the Governor signed it on March 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1328 amends North Dakota law to change how schools and law enforcement refer students for minor offenses to juvenile court. It requires schools to first try disciplinary measures (like counseling or suspensions) before referring students for non-serious offenses on school property, unless the offense involves drugs, violence, sex crimes, or weapons. The bill also updates the definition of "custodian" to include school staff with legal responsibility for a child. These changes directly affect school officials, law enforcement, and students in North Dakota schools.

Relating to the definition of a children's advocacy center and the confidentiality of communications and records in the possession of a children's advocacy center.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending North Dakota's Constitution to allow $300 million annually from the common schools trust fund for statewide school construction over 10 years ($3 billion total). It modifies how distributions are calculated, requiring annual payments based on trust fund value while adding a fixed $600 million biennial allocation (split yearly) specifically for school construction under state programs. The change would directly affect public schools by providing dedicated funding for new buildings and renovations. The amendment must be voted on by North Dakota voters in 2026 after failing to pass the legislature (15 yeas, 77 nays) in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 requires county superintendents of schools in North Dakota to preserve all official records with educational value or that document their official actions. Upon leaving their position, they must transfer these records to their successor. The bill amends existing law to clarify and update these record-keeping duties. This directly affects county school administrators, ensuring continuity in preserving important educational and administrative documents.