North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1494

Introduced

1/20/25

Refer

1/20/25

Report Pass

2/6/25

Refer

2/7/25

Report DNP

2/24/25

Caption

The determination of weighted average daily membership; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The passing of HB 1494 is expected to revise existing education funding mechanisms significantly in North Dakota, particularly by adjusting how school enrollment figures are weighted in funding decisions. This approach could lead to more equitable distributions of funds, reflecting the diverse needs of students across different educational settings. The intention behind these changes is to support educational programs that serve students with varying needs, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated based on individual district circumstances. The bill aims to streamline and improve the accuracy of membership determination processes and thereby the funding districts receive.

Summary

House Bill 1494 focuses on the determination of weighted average daily membership for students within North Dakota's school districts. This bill proposes amendments to section 15.1-27-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, which outlines how school districts calculate their average daily membership. The proposed changes will assign various weightings to different categories of students based on factors such as their enrollment in special education programs, alternative education, and home-based education programs, ultimately affecting funding formulas used for distributing state aid to districts. The bill aims to become effective on July 1, 2025, and has been categorized as an emergency measure.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1494 appears to be cautious but optimistic among education stakeholders. Supporters of the measure, primarily educators and school administrators, have expressed positive views, highlighting the potential for better resource allocation to benefit students who require additional support. However, there are concerns from some lawmakers regarding the complexities that may arise during the implementation of these amendments, leading to discussions on ensuring that all district needs are understood and met adequately.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the complexity of recalibrating average daily membership calculations and how they may affect funding for districts, especially those that historically have different demographics or educational challenges. School officials worry that without adequate guidance and support, the transition might lead to discrepancies in funding, which could disproportionately impact certain districts. Balancing the need for equitable funding while mitigating any adverse effects on schools that may be under-resourced remains a key contention in discussions surrounding this bill.

Latest HB1494 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1349

The weighted average daily membership.

ND SB2284

School district enrollment, the definition of "probationary teacher", a school district's policy governing possession of a weapon, the definition of "dangerous weapon", modification of weighting factors, transition maximums and an increase in per student payments, and the school construction revolving loan fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide for an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2013

The salary of the superintendent of public instruction, baseline funding, high-cost students, and regional library cooperative definitions; to provide for a transfer; to provide for reports; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2398

Baseline funding and the determination of state school aid, loans from the coal development trust fund, and evidences of indebtedness; to provide an appropriation; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1321

Retirement board membership; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2346

Adjustments to state aid payments; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2066

The imposition of a flat income tax rate for individuals, estates, and trusts; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2164

Retirement board membership; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2328

AN ACT to create a school funding task force; and to provide for a legislative management report.

Similar Bills

CA SB1445

Electric mobility manufacturers.

MI SB0023

School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amends secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.

MI HB4954

School aid: other; the state school aid act of 1979; modify to reflect repealed abortion laws. Amends sec. 6 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4949'23

MI HB4648

School aid: membership; pupil membership count day and the supplemental pupil count; modify to provide for an alternative day for the counting of pupils who are absent due to a religious observance or holiday. Amends secs. 6 & 6a of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1606a).