This bill amends and reenacts section 15.1-07-34 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance training requirements for mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. It introduces new provisions that require school districts to provide a minimum of eight hours of professional development every two years on youth behavioral health, child abuse, and neglect for teachers, administrators, and encourages participation from ancillary staff. The training will cover various topics, including trauma, social and emotional learning, suicide prevention, and child protective services, among others. Additionally, the bill mandates that each school designate a behavioral health resource coordinator and that the superintendent of public instruction collaborates with regional education associations to disseminate training materials.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new requirement for public and nonpublic school teachers, administrators, librarians, and counselors to submit documentation verifying completion of a mandated reporter training program for suspected child abuse or neglect before initial licensure. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with 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 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