North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1298

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  

Caption

Proof of liability insurance for early childhood programs; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1298 is expected to positively impact state laws governing early childhood education by creating a standardized requirement for liability insurance. This move aims to protect children attending these programs while also providing a layer of financial security for the programs themselves. As operators are now compelled to maintain a certain level of insurance, it may result in increased operational costs, which could in turn affect the affordability of these services for families.

Summary

House Bill 1298 aims to enhance the safety and accountability of early childhood programs in North Dakota by requiring these programs to carry liability insurance. Specifically, the bill mandates that, as a condition for licensure renewal or application, the owner or operator of an early childhood program must provide proof of liability insurance, naming the state department as the certificate holder. The required insurance policy must cover a minimum of three hundred thousand dollars per occurrence, ensuring that these programs have sufficient coverage against potential bodily injury claims.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1298 appears generally supportive among stakeholders who prioritize child safety and accountability in early childhood education settings. Advocates argue that the bill is a necessary step in ensuring that these educational programs maintain high standards of care and safety. However, there may also be some reservations expressed by program operators regarding additional financial burdens associated with obtaining and maintaining comprehensive liability insurance.

Contention

While HB 1298 is intended to bolster the protection of children in early childhood programs, some concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on program accessibility. Critics argue that the requirement for liability insurance could disproportionately affect smaller or family-run programs that may struggle to meet the financial demands imposed by the insurance requirement. This could lead to a reduction in the number of available early childhood educators and settings, potentially impacting families seeking affordable care options.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2107

Early childhood services training for licensure; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2104

Early childhood services, resource and referral services, workforce development, early childhood inclusion support program, best in class program, and disclosure of child abuse and neglect confirmed decisions involving early childhood services.

ND HB1540

Early childhood services and child care assistance; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1216

Self-insurance health care plans; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2282

An income tax credit for child care contributions provided by qualified employers; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2308

Occupational and professional boards, the midwest interstate passenger rail compact, prison industry advisory committee, energy policy commission, medical marijuana advisory committee, onsite wastewater recycling technical committee, state board of water well contractors, committee on aging, brain injury advisory council, early childhood council, unemployment insurance advisory council, commission on the status of women, health information technology advisory committee, poet laureate nominating board, rural development council, America 250 commission, atmospheric resource board, and Devils Lake outlet management advisory committee; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HF2565

Early childhood programs provided, and money appropriated.

ND SB2140

Self-insurance health plans; to provide for a report; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2298

The homestead credit certification and disabled veterans' credit; to provide for retroactive application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.