The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning school funding, state aid calculations, and public improvement projects. It establishes a baseline funding model for school districts, determined by the superintendent of public instruction based on state aid from the 2018-19 school year and property tax deductions. The bill introduces specific revenue types contributing to this baseline, including various tax revenues and tuition, and outlines adjustments for districts that transitioned to elementary districts after the 2012-13 school year. Additionally, it sets forth a new formula for calculating state aid for the 2023-24 school year and beyond, with provisions for increasing funding based on weighted student units and local revenue deductions.

Moreover, the bill modifies the reimbursement process for boarding care costs for students with disabilities, ensuring that placements receive approval from the superintendent. It expands eligibility for loans from the coal development trust fund to include school construction projects on air force bases, while also updating maximum loan amounts for school construction projects. The bill raises the bidding threshold for public improvements and alters contractor bond requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all claims. It also allows for more flexible tax levies for educational services and school safety plans, with specific allocations mandated. The effective dates for these changes vary, with some provisions set to take effect in 2024 and others in 2025.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-27-03.1, 15.1-27-04.1, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 15.1-27-03.1, 15.1-27-04.1, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-27-03.1, 15.1-27-04.1, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-27-35, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-27-35, 48-01.2-02.1, 57-15-14.2
Adopted by the Senate Education Committee: 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-32-19, 48-01.2-02.1, 48-01.2-10, 57-15-14.2
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Schaible: 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-32-19, 48-01.2-02.1, 48-01.2-10, 57-15-14.2
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Conference Committee: 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-32-19, 15.1-36-02, 15.1-36-08, 48-01.2-02.1, 48-01.2-10, 57-15-14.2
25.0716.04008 : 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-32-19, 15.1-36-02, 15.1-36-08, 48-01.2-02.1, 48-01.2-10, 57-15-14.2
Enrollment: 15.1-27-04.1, 15.1-32-19, 15.1-36-02, 48-01.2-02.1, 48-01.2-10, 57-15-14.2