AN ACT to repeal sections 15.1-18-05 and 15.1-18-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to special education strategist credentials.
Summary
HB 1261 repeals two sections of the North Dakota Century Code, sections 15.1-18-05 and 15.1-18-06, that relate to special education strategist credentials. In practical terms, the bill removes the statutory provisions governing that credential from state law, eliminating the specific legal framework for the special education strategist designation.
Because the bill is a repeal-only measure, it does not create a new program or impose new requirements. Instead, it simplifies the education code by deleting existing credential language, which may affect how school districts, the Department of Public Instruction, and educator licensing systems reference or administer special education strategist qualifications going forward.
Impact
The bill amends state law by removing two credential-related sections from Title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. This changes the legal landscape for educator licensure and special education staffing by eliminating the statutory basis for special education strategist credentials, potentially shifting any related policy or administrative guidance to other rules, policies, or general licensure provisions.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad legislative support. It passed the House 85-3 and the Senate 46-1, indicating strong bipartisan approval and little recorded opposition. The absence of committee transcript discussion suggests the measure was likely viewed as a straightforward cleanup or administrative change rather than a controversial policy shift.
Contention
The only apparent point of contention is the decision to repeal a credential category that may have been used in special education staffing or professional recognition. While the overwhelming vote suggests most lawmakers accepted the change, the small number of dissenting votes indicates some concern about removing a specific credential from statute, possibly due to uncertainty about its practical effect on schools, educators, or special education services.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 15-18.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the national council for state authorization reciprocity agreements membership; to amend and reenact sections 15-18.1-01, 15-18.1-02, 15-18.1-05, 15-18.1-06, and 15-18.1-10, and subsection 4 of section 15-18.1-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to postsecondary education institution standards; and to repeal section 15-18.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the authorization of a postsecondary educational institution not operating in this state.
AN ACT to amend and reenact section 18-01-02, subsection 1 of section 18-01-03.1, sections 18-01-06, 18-01-07, 23-15-04, and 54-12-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to updating language for the state fire marshal department and to the attorney general's authority to appoint the state fire marshal; to repeal sections 18-01-35 and 18-01-36 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to fund fees collected by the state fire marshal department; and to provide for a retroactive application.
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 18-04-05 and section 18-05.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the firefighters death benefits fund.