This bill amends and reenacts section 15.1-07-34 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance training requirements for teachers, administrators, and ancillary staff regarding youth behavioral health and child abuse and neglect. It mandates that every two years, school districts provide a minimum of eight hours of professional development on these topics, with specific categories outlined for training, including trauma, suicide prevention, and child protective services. Additionally, each school must designate a behavioral health resource coordinator, and the superintendent of public instruction is tasked with collaborating with regional education associations to disseminate training materials and opportunities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement for public and nonpublic school educators, librarians, and counselors to complete a mandated reporter training program for suspected child abuse or neglect before initial licensure. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for developing an online interactive training module to assist in fulfilling this requirement. The bill also repeals section 15.1-19-29 of the North Dakota Century Code, which previously addressed similar training for mandated reporters.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-07-34, 15.1-19-29
Adopted by the House Human Services Committee: 15.1-07-34, 15.1-19-29
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-07-34, 15.1-19-29
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 15.1-07-34, 15.1-19-29
Enrollment: 15.1-07-34, 15.1-19-29