AN ACT to create and enact a new subsection to section 50-25.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a determination by the department of health and human services of an individual's military status in child abuse and neglect assessments.
Summary
HB 1338 adds a new requirement to North Dakota’s child abuse and neglect assessment process. At the start of an assessment, the Department of Health and Human Services or its authorized agent must determine whether the person subject to the assessment has military status. If the allegation involves a military-affiliated individual, the department must notify the nearest military installation’s family advocacy program about the allegation and investigation.
The bill defines “military-affiliated individual” as a person with active military status and that person’s dependents, and defines “military status” to include members of any branch of the U.S. military as well as the National Guard and reserve components. It also allows the department to develop a memorandum of understanding for use by human service zones, and assigns the military installation responsibility for reporting the data to the federal Department of Defense.
Impact
HB 1338 amends section 50-25.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code by adding a new subsection governing child abuse and neglect assessments involving military-connected families. It creates a formal screening and notification process for cases involving service members, National Guard and reserve members, and their dependents, and it links state child welfare investigations to military family advocacy programs and federal reporting channels. The bill primarily affects the Department of Health and Human Services, human service zones, military installations, and families with military ties.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have had broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. It passed the House 90-0 and the Senate 47-0, indicating unanimous support in both chambers. The lack of committee transcript discussion suggests the measure was likely viewed as a straightforward administrative and coordination bill rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No notable contention is evident in the available record. The main policy issue is the added obligation for the department to identify military status early in an assessment and notify a military installation’s family advocacy program when a case involves a military-affiliated individual. Potential points of interest, though not reflected in recorded opposition, could include privacy concerns, administrative burden, and coordination between state child welfare agencies and military authorities; however, the bill’s unanimous votes suggest these concerns did not generate disagreement.