This bill appropriates funding for the Department of Public Instruction, the Center for Distance Education, the State Library, the School for the Deaf, and North Dakota Vision Services - School for the Blind for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes significant increases in salaries, operating expenses, and grants, while introducing new legal language regarding "Base Level Enhancements Appropriation" and creating a new section in chapter 15.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code related to the collection of free or reduced-price meal eligibility information. The bill also outlines one-time funding for various educational initiatives, such as teacher retention and early learning programs, and emphasizes the importance of reporting on the use of these funds.

Additionally, the bill exempts unexpended appropriations for the state library and the school for the deaf from certain provisions, allowing these funds to be utilized for building renovations during the specified biennium. It allocates $1,737,582 for aid to public libraries, with a cap on spending for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The salary of the superintendent of public instruction is amended to $147,978 through June 30, 2026, increasing to $152,417 thereafter. The bill also mandates that school districts collect household income information electronically for free or reduced-price meal eligibility, with a paper option available upon request, effective July 1, 2026. Furthermore, it revises provisions for cooperative educational services among school districts, ensuring equitable payment rates and reimbursement conditions for jointly hired administrative personnel.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 15.1-02-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-02-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 15.1-02-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Conference Committee: 15.1-02-02, 15.1-27-16
25.0157.02008 : 15.1-02-02, 15.1-27-16
Enrollment: 15.1-02-02, 15.1-27-16