ND
North Dakota House Bill HB1241

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1241

Introduced
1/10/23  
Refer
1/10/23  
Report Pass
2/7/23  
Refer
2/8/23  
Report Pass
2/20/23  
Engrossed
3/3/23  
Refer
3/3/23  
Report Pass
3/21/23  
Enrolled
3/27/23  

Caption

The workforce education innovation program; and to provide for a legislative management report.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1241 could significantly influence state laws concerning educational funding and workforce training. By mandating the state board of higher education to report biennially to the legislative management, the bill promotes accountability and transparency regarding the use of funds awarded under this program. This legislative oversight is designed to ensure that allocated awards result in meaningful progress and measurable outcomes in workforce education, thereby contributing to the long-term economic development goals of North Dakota. The creation or enhancement of educational programs specifically aimed at workforce needs is expected to align educational insights with real-time industry requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1241 aims to establish the Workforce Education Innovation Program in North Dakota, with the primary goal of enhancing educational programs tailored to fulfill the workforce requirements of local businesses and industries. By allowing the state board of higher education to allocate awards for the development and implementation of these educational initiatives, the bill intends to foster greater collaboration between higher education institutions and local economies. Award funds can be used for various purposes including curriculum development, purchasing technology, and hiring qualified instructors to ensure that educational offerings are relevant and effective in meeting current job market demands.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1241 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, as evidenced by the strong voting outcome in favor of the bill—46 yeas to 1 nay during the Senate's second reading. Broad support indicates a recognition of the importance of addressing workforce challenges through targeted education initiatives. Proponents see this bill as a proactive measure that will strengthen the alignment between educational offerings and the skills needed in the labor market, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of employers in North Dakota.

Contention

While the overwhelming support for HB 1241 suggests a consensus on the need for improved workforce education, challenges may arise concerning the effectiveness of implementation and the equitable distribution of awards among institutions. Critics may raise concerns about whether the focus on business needs overshadows the educational missions of institutions. Furthermore, ensuring that these programs are inclusive and accessible to all populations within the state might be a point of contention as the bill moves forward through legislative scrutiny and eventual implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2003

The naming of the Bismarck state college polytechnic center; to authorize the state board of higher education to issue and sell bonds for capital projects; to provide for a transfer; to provide for the conveyance of real property; to provide for a legislative management higher education funding review committee; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1003

Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2343

State board of higher education policy; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND HB1018

The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND S546

Clean Energy Workforce & Innovation Act

ND SB2018

The purpose of the North Dakota development fund, duties and talent strategy of the division of workforce development, the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund, the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program, and changing the name of the office of legal immigration to the global talent office; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide for a transfer; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management report.

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 SB2004

The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2039

Workforce safety and insurance pilot programs and safety grant programs reports to the legislative management.

ND SB2392

The regulation of prohibited discriminatory practices; and to provide for a legislative management report.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.