This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the services provided by the life skills and transition center for individuals with developmental disabilities. Key changes include the introduction of definitions for "noneligible" individuals and the expansion of services to encompass both eligible and noneligible individuals who may benefit from residential or nonresidential care. The bill allows the center to offer consultation services to public and private providers serving noneligible individuals and emphasizes prioritizing North Dakota residents and minors with developmental disabilities for these services. Additionally, it outlines qualifications for accessing care based on the superintendent's assessment and establishes guidelines for discharging individuals from the center.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the financial responsibilities associated with the care of both eligible and noneligible individuals, stipulating that expenses must align with varying degrees of mental and physical health and may be adjusted based on the individual's ability to pay. It also allows the department to recover expenses from individuals receiving social security benefits or veterans' compensation. The bill mandates biannual reporting by the department of health and human services on the status of ineligible children served and barriers to community-based services, along with a study of alternatives to placement at the center. The findings from this study, including any legislative recommendations, are to be reported by March 1, 2026, with the provisions of the act 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