This bill proposes the creation of a new section in chapter 27-20.3 of the North Dakota Century Code that mandates drug testing for parents in specific circumstances related to child protection cases. If a child is determined to be in need of protection due to the abuse of controlled substances or the presence of drug paraphernalia, the human service zone will require the parent to pass a drug test before being allowed unsupervised visits with the child. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services may mandate further drug testing as necessary for safety planning. Notably, the bill specifies that these requirements do not apply to marijuana.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $95,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate the implementation of drug testing by human service zones for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This funding is intended to support the operational costs associated with the new drug testing requirements outlined in the bill.