North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1386

Introduced

1/16/23

Refer

1/16/23

Report Pass

2/9/23

Engrossed

2/14/23

Refer

2/15/23

Report Pass

3/8/23

Enrolled

3/13/23

Passed

3/17/23

Caption

Youth behavioral health professional development.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1386 is likely to have a significant impact on local education policies by formalizing training requirements related to youth behavioral health. This shift is intended to equip school staff with the necessary skills to tackle behavioral health issues effectively, thereby improving the support structure for students facing such challenges. By adopting this bill, local authorities and educational institutions will align their professional development programs with state guidelines, ultimately enhancing the overall educational environment for students dealing with mental health challenges.

Summary

House Bill 1386 addresses the enhancement of youth behavioral health training for educators in North Dakota. The bill mandates that every school district provides a minimum of eight hours of professional development on youth behavioral health for teachers, administrators, and ancillary staff every two years. This training targets several critical areas including trauma, social and emotional learning, suicide prevention, and understanding the broader implications of youth behavioral health on families and communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of appointing a behavioral health resource coordinator in each school to support these initiatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1386 appears to be supportive across both legislative chambers, as indicated by the unanimous voting outcomes in the House (90-0) and Senate (46-0). Lawmakers recognize the growing need for enhanced mental health resources in schools, especially in light of rising concerns about youth mental health issues. The bill has been framed as a necessary step forward in ensuring that educators are better prepared to support students' mental and emotional wellbeing, reflecting a holistic approach to education.

Contention

Despite the overall support, there are notable points of contention regarding the implementation and scope of the professional development mandated by the bill. Some educators and stakeholders may raise concerns about the feasibility of integrating these additional hours into existing training programs and whether the topics covered will adequately address the diverse needs of districts across the state. Furthermore, debates may arise around the allocation of resources and funding necessary to effectively implement these training programs, which could influence how well the objectives of the bill are realized in practice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1562

Training for mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.

ND SB1062

Behavioral health professionals; addiction counseling

ND HB2279

Behavioral health professionals; addiction counseling.

ND SB509

School employee and pupil training: youth mental and behavioral health: mental health education.

ND SB428

Pupil health: school employee training: youth mental and behavioral health.

ND SB14

Pupil health: school employee and pupil training: excused absences: youth mental and behavioral health.

ND SB2213

Mathematics curriculum, professional development, screening and intervention, related administrative rules and reporting requirements, and mathematics instructor competency; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a department of public instruction mathematics screening pilot program; to provide an appropriation; 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 SB387

Pupil health: school employee and pupil training: youth mental and behavioral health.

ND H5987

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

Similar Bills

DE HCR58

Commending Dana Carey Representing The Lake Forest School District For Being Selected As Delaware's Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year For 2023 And Commending Each School District And Charter Network's Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year.

DE HCR145

This Concurrent Resolution Commends The 2024 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year, Shannon Gronau, And All Of The District/charter Network Behavioral Health Professionals Of The Year.

DE HCR48

Commending Heather Hitchens Representing The Lake Forest School District For Being Selected As Delaware's Educational Support Professional Of The Year For 2023 And Commending Each School District And Charter Networks Educational Support Professional Of The Year.