North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2232

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Report Pass
2/3/25  
Engrossed
2/5/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Report Pass
4/1/25  
Enrolled
4/18/25  

Caption

Reporting requirements for prenatal exposure to alcohol misuse.

Impact

The bill's passing would modify North Dakota's Century Code, particularly sections related to reporting and testing requirements for prenatal exposure. Existing laws would be amended to allow for greater discretion by physicians in determining when to report suspected substance abuse. This shift signifies an effort to encourage healthcare providers to prioritize patient care and treatment options over punitive measures, potentially leading to better health outcomes for mothers and infants experiencing substance use issues.

Summary

Senate Bill 2232 addresses the reporting requirements related to prenatal and postpartum exposure to controlled substances and alcohol misuse. It amends existing laws to create exemptions for medical personnel from civil or criminal liability when administering toxicology tests to pregnant women or newborns. The bill aims to ensure that necessary assessments can occur without the fear of legal repercussions for healthcare providers acting in good faith. This legislation is particularly focused on streamlining processes to safeguard maternal and child health while balancing individual and community needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 2232 appears to be cautiously optimistic, especially among advocates who emphasize the importance of providing care and support for individuals facing substance use challenges. Supporters believe that the bill's protective measures for medical professionals will foster a collaborative environment aimed at treating substance abuse rather than solely penalizing it. However, there are concerns voiced by some who fear that relaxed reporting requirements may undermine awareness and intervention in cases of severe substance abuse, potentially putting vulnerable populations at risk.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between healthcare providers' ability to act without fear of legal repercussions and the need to maintain vigilance in addressing substance abuse among pregnant individuals. Critics argue that the amendments could lead to less oversight and a potential minimization of the severity of substance misuse cases. The ongoing debate showcases the tension between health-focused approaches and the imperative to ensure child welfare, highlighting the complexities involved in addressing maternal substance use and the implications for broader public health policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2103

Child abuse and neglect, the child abuse information index, disclosure of records for child protection purposes, prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol, and alternative response assessments.

ND SB2150

Abortions, sex-selective abortions, genetic abnormality abortions, human dismemberment abortions, and abortions after a detectable heartbeat; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1165

The health division, a biennial report, and reporting sexually transmitted diseases.

ND HB1137

Juvenile court procedures.

ND SB2169

The special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances, driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances while being accompanied by a minor, entering a closed road, and a lamp or flag on a projecting load; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2115

Licensing and discipline of physicians and physician assistants.

ND HB1122

Conditions of eligibility for release programs, sentencing of violent offenders, assumption of risk in crimes, revocation of teacher's license due to a crime against a child, child welfare definitions, petition for termination of parental rights, and the statute of limitations for felonies except murder or mass murder; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1303

Alcoholic beverage tax on diluted beverages.

ND SB2304

The definitions of alcoholic beverage establishment and manufacturer, approval for a gaming site authorization and licensure, the maximum number of gaming sites allowed, the maximum number of pull tab devices allowed at a site, gaming licenses for alcoholic beverage establishments, electronic fifty-fifty raffles, rent limits for electronic pull tab devices, and the imposition of monetary fines for violations by third-party businesses; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2377

State-tribal agreements for the administration and collection of alcoholic beverages wholesale tax and alcoholic beverages gross receipts tax within the exterior boundaries of a reservation in this state; and to provide for application.

Similar Bills

NJ S2340

Authorizes outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs to make housing available under certain circumstances.

NJ SCR57

Requests President and Congress to take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

NJ SCR85

Requests President and Congress take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

CA AB1031

Youth Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Program Act of 2019.

CA AB77

Substance use disorder treatment services.

CA SB1290

Substance abuse disorder treatment.

UT SB0182

Mental Health Professional Licensing Modifications

NH HB751

Requiring licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and relative to complaint investigation of treatment facilities by the department of health and human services office of the ombudsman and making an appropriation therefor.