ND
North Dakota House Bill HB1604

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1604

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

The funding of kindergarten through grade twelve school construction; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have a significant impact on the funding landscape for K-12 education infrastructure in North Dakota. With an appropriation of $600 million for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, the bill allows districts with failing referendums or high renovation costs to access state funds. This could alleviate financial pressures on local jurisdictions and assist in updating outdated facilities, thereby enhancing the learning environment for students.

Summary

House Bill 1604 aims to establish a state-funded program for the construction of kindergarten through grade twelve schools in North Dakota. The bill outlines specific criteria for school districts to qualify for state funding, including the need for an engineering assessment to demonstrate that renovations are not cost-effective compared to new construction. Additionally, the financial framework is laid out, where the state will contribute varying percentages of the construction costs based on the assessed value of a mill for the school district.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1604 appears to be cautiously optimistic, particularly among stakeholders invested in improving educational facilities. Advocates of the bill argue that funding from the state level will ensure equity in educational infrastructure across different districts. However, there may be concerns regarding bureaucratic red tape and adherence to stipulations, such as using approved architectural designs. This aspect may spark debates about local autonomy in decision-making regarding school construction.

Contention

Notable contention includes potential limitations on local school districts' freedoms to choose their architectural designs, as the bill proposes that districts seeking a larger state contribution must adhere to state-approved designs. This raises questions about the balance of state control versus local governance in educational matters. Additionally, there is the possibility of opposition from local governments that may feel constrained by the conditions imposed by the state in order to access crucial funding.

Latest ND HB1604 Activity

View All Events: ND 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1604

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1158

The homestead tax credit and income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration 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 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 HB1185

Loans from the coal development trust fund for school construction projects affected by unanticipated construction inflation; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

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 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 HB1123

The membership, spending authority, and funding for the kindergarten through grade twelve education coordination council.

ND HB1398

Mandatory computer science and cybersecurity instruction and minimum requirements for high school graduation; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2346

Adjustments to state aid payments; to provide an appropriation; 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.

Similar Bills

CA SB1476

Water replenishment districts: contracts.

CA SB1194

Water replenishment districts: competitive bidding.

ND HB1369

The determination of state aid, boarding care costs, the coal development trust fund, the school construction assistance revolving loan fund, public improvement construction, bonds from contractors for public improvements, and school district levies; and to provide an effective date.