This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance services provided by the life skills and transition center for individuals with developmental disabilities. It introduces definitions for "noneligible" individuals and expands services to include both eligible and noneligible individuals, particularly those in crisis or requiring stabilization, with necessary approvals. The bill emphasizes prioritizing North Dakota residents and minors with developmental disabilities for services, outlines qualifications for accessing care, and mandates active program management and comprehensive evaluations for discharge processes. Importantly, it ensures that no eligible or noneligible individuals under eighteen can be charged for educational or related services at the center.

Additionally, the bill addresses financial responsibilities related to care, allowing for adjustments based on the individual's ability to pay and including provisions for recovering expenses from those receiving social security benefits or veterans' compensation. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to report biannually on the status of ineligible children served and barriers to community-based services, while also requiring a study on alternatives to placement at the center. The findings from this study, along with any legislative recommendations, are to be reported by March 1, 2026, and the provisions of the act are set to expire on June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Ruby: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
Enrollment: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17
INTRODUCED: 25-04-00.1, 25-04-02, 25-04-04, 25-04-04.1, 25-04-05, 25-04-05.1, 25-04-08, 25-04-08.1, 25-04-14, 25-04-17