The bill amends sections 54-44.4-02 and 54-44.6-02 of the North Dakota Century Code to update procurement exemptions and establish specific provisions for the North Dakota Center for Distance Education. Notably, it introduces a new exemption allowing the Center to enter into contracts for educational content, educational technology tools, and related services for virtual education delivery to students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Center for Distance Education is not classified as an "agency" under the definitions provided in the procurement regulations.

Furthermore, the bill outlines various categories of commodities and services that are exempt from the procurement requirements, including emergency purchases, employee benefit services, and contracts related to agricultural market news services, among others. The amendments aim to streamline procurement processes while ensuring that the North Dakota Center for Distance Education can effectively provide educational resources and services without being hindered by standard procurement regulations.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-44.4-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Schreiber-Beck: 54-44.4-02, 54-44.6-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-44.4-02, 54-44.6-02
Enrollment: 54-44.4-02, 54-44.6-02