[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6363658,"mediaKeyId","2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9","parentId",2166018,"title","Senate bill would create broad study of higher education to boost efficiency, dual credit and three-year degree pathways","audioSeconds",456,"startMs",5624000,"endMs",6080000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9&start=5624&end=6080","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9/thumbnail_5624000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6363658/North-Dakota/Senate-bill-would-create-broad-study-of-higher-education-to-boost-efficiency-dual-credit-and-three-year-degree-pathways","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363658-f5f9781ce672ad11e653ed3deb4630aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775879001&Signature=LyS8eQmJD4ndfujfiZMDHzEmVFi86kcrR4dm8~FZemNSWrdcfWlsCXFPglASUvbZ59zTfTLvQ6AEhVCZA-bD~YeAJTbAgxtUpibuXD3O~uz~PDMn6Az-4XGXxEolSA4FBuFIPAh2rgKABh1fNx58BpsJhobxjN9TnaTtMT1zkGo85Hmd4TaCM9MYIw17Uk6esht8bLnDfXAHfoS-RhMMoGNwVH5RhVeJ9WW9K~QrWfHN0YovZ9SSBKxqW384sX3T3M3RuxVdLeGzg2a8qNLWuyL5ULSCClitgALodV~wlIuYhorhxJ-wJvVubj3f1scRQAkEwJlk7K53drPBESI20Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Education, ND","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 2242, introduced to create a comprehensive interim study of higher-education institutions, their collaboration with K–12, and methods to improve efficiency and student outcomes, was heard by the Senate Education Committee. The committee closed the hearing with supporters urging the study; they did not take a committee vote on the measure during the session.

Sponsor Senator Jan Myrdal described the proposed study as a nonpunitive, broad-ranging review intended to capitalize on technological opportunities (including online instruction and emerging tools such as AI), expand dual-credit access, and explore models to shorten time-to-degree such as three-year bachelor’s programs. Myrdal emphasized the bill was not a review of funding formulae but a stakeholder-driven interim study to bring K–12, higher education, business and other groups together to recommend efficiencies and approaches for students.

Mauryd Heiberter, testifying for North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action, urged a due pass and said the study could examine reducing costs and increasing dual-credit access for high school students. Heiberter contrasted North Dakota’s current policy—where families pay tuition, fees and books for dual-credit—with Minnesota’s PSEO (postsecondary enrollment options) and pointed to Modern States’ Freshman Year Free initiative as a model some states use to reduce student cost and time to degree.

Senator Myrdal and supporters said the study would be stakeholder-driven and noted that legislative council per-diem and staff resources would cover interim-study costs, so no separate fiscal note was required for the bill itself. Committee members received requests that the interim group include representatives from higher education, K–12, business and other stakeholders to ensure the study’s recommendations are broadly informed.

There was no recorded committee motion or final vote on SB 2242 at the hearing; the committee closed the hearing and recessed. Witnesses urged that the study consider dual-credit access and models used by other states to lower costs and accelerate completion, and supporters said the study could help North Dakota better align workforce needs with postsecondary offerings.

The committee closed the hearing and recessed for the remainder of the day; the bill’s path forward will depend on whether legislative management schedules the study for interim work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Education Jan 28, 2025\t","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 2242 would form an interim study group to examine North Dakota higher education institutions, collaboration with K–12, expansion of dual-credit options, and possible three-year bachelor's pathways. The committee heard support testimony and closed the hearing; no vote was taken.","taxTitle","Education, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28902,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363664,"Committee hears bill to pilot K–3 foreign-language stipends; tables measure for further drafting",1870,2025000,3895000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9&start=2025&end=3895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9/thumbnail_2025000.jpg","/articles/6363664/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-pilot-K3-foreign-language-stipends-tables-measure-for-further-drafting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363664-43ecb62259a679a2032df126cdef80eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775879001&Signature=X-yS8tUSkb3dXOOtK322hubHqXWM3fhdGwbWQIM4Wn1mnTflcsa~Jr7em6pIlqIz4kvsjbOYgQLHf42QLz0mfVajr5FF3hqu5fzoVNVmLt4qZcKs~Tjwi3sEYlQmP3JnSJ8jRCSjNbncM1jiI0yQLcvNXV3f4uIA~T-N8y97BdrEdaHB2O9k8DQIiAR9TjhpDBGea-UIqdECp5oqmlZ0RhkWBwZUg91s3EKo6~Fex3Ff~Vk--l5CjtXf3Wewq8NAL9RgWYOJBJYW-SfSTuN6g7x7KR4k2Nu-AKtfoDnnUIcNWZKIy~XaWZ3FQJJdW0FafKUk9bKEV2h8MlhKYLR5Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 2275, proposing a pilot stipend program for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers who provide foreign-language instruction, received testimony and detailed discussion at the Senate Education Committee but was not voted out; the committee agreed to work on amendments and revisit the bill at a later committee work session.

Sponsor Senator Larry Lueg told the committee the bill would replicate a measure he filed in the prior session that passed the Senate but failed in the House; the bill is voluntary for districts and is intended to encourage earlier foreign-language exposure. Lueg said the $2,500 figure is intended as a teacher stipend to encourage districts to try programs where local teachers or outside instructors would provide language lessons for young students.

Anne Ellefsen, director of academic support at the Department of Public Instruction, testified that DPI pulled data for the 2023–24 school year showing 6 schools offering indigenous language courses at the elementary (K–6) level and 4 schools offering Spanish in some form at the K–6 level, for a total of 10 schools offering elementary world-language instruction. Ellefsen said standing up a pilot program and grant structure is feasible for DPI and that existing world-language content standards (updated in 2022) supply guidance for elementary instruction.

Committee members and witnesses discussed whether stipends should be paid directly to individual teachers or to districts, whether the funds should be labeled a \"stipend\" or a flexible \"grant\" that could cover supplies or outside instructors, and how to handle eligibility (public, nonpublic, BIE schools) and distribution if demand exceeds available funds. DPI staff explained the bill language \"not to exceed\" provides flexibility to reduce individual awards if many applicants apply and that program design would determine eligibility and distribution rules.

Senators raised policy questions including whether already-established programs should be eligible, whether the program should prioritize new pilots, the adequacy of $2,500 per teacher, and whether limits or minimum awards should be specified if many schools apply. Committee members discussed the potential value of supporting communities with a mix of needs (districts that want to expand instruction versus those that already operate programs).

After extended discussion about eligibility, administration, and possible amendment language (including clarifying public vs. nonpublic eligibility, converting or permitting the stipend as a grant for materials, and potentially adjusting the dollar amount), the committee did not hold a final vote. Chair Beard suggested committee members work with Senator Gearhart to draft one amendment package. The committee agreed to reconvene in committee work to consider the proposed amendments.

DPI and witnesses emphasized program design choices that the bill does not currently specify: whether awards would be first-come, discretionary grants, or subject to competitive review; whether awards would go to districts or individuals; and whether existing programs would be eligible. DPI noted logistics such as whether payments should be routed through districts to avoid handling individual Social Security numbers.

Committee members suggested options including allowing awards to go either to districts or teachers, clarifying eligibility for public/nonpublic/BIE schools, and retaining the pilot’s modest appropriation level so DPI can evaluate outcomes. The committee concluded to develop and present consolidated amendment language at the next committee work session rather than make multiple separate motions during today’s hearing.","Senate Bill 2275 would create a pilot stipend program—up to $2,500 per teacher—for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers who teach students a foreign language. DPI data show 10 schools offered K–6 language instruction in 2023–24. The committee did not vote and agreed to revisit the bill with drafted amendments.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363669,"Senate Education Committee advances study on retaining original library materials, adds fiscal and operational mandate",1560,208000,1768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9&start=208&end=1768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166018-4d8ae83df09ddd96bf77761260c977f9/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6363669/North-Dakota/Senate-Education-Committee-advances-study-on-retaining-original-library-materials-adds-fiscal-and-operational-mandate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363669-83f958b5519f13af80b8bdea9eea065e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775879001&Signature=Kr-0eiZ1JgUA-Vkh2IdElHd8gguWY0ry0y6Ugw1YoxXRONtIQ74j5vP2-L59ZRvdiZ2eK6zaEQx3RfyJBrbU6~SknB9SEvlpU1st2BDGMoj1zY9vVafqeSipfpCrMKs4f1YmIxBEypKTWjXESQYSz9N4Vrj5TFqAudl2RYBD9sS5NMBw455RXKTxznwsisTL08NNzroLMJscf0fb--Y5UoIxmbI48f7jMgAqiO15lAdsKJBGp5UsXcpUxLUdjR1ck44G5BY~ZBb0HF50DOaaeu0XKJytOxknW4WQ0s1PuuAU-uRp99WC1X2FrnI5I1HOM0UZ~EIeu-AjQz6zdXjfiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 2278, which would direct a legislative study into whether state-maintained libraries should retain original copies of books and written materials even when publishers release updated editions, was advanced by the Senate Education Committee on a 4-0 vote as amended.

Sponsor Senator Keith Boehm introduced the bill, saying the study would \"explore whether state maintained libraries, including those in our educational institutions, should retain copies of books and written materials in their original form, even when publishers release updated versions with modernized language.\" Boehm said the study should weigh preservation of historical context against efforts to update language for contemporary audiences and called out examples such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and recent edits to children’s books to illustrate the debate.

The bill directs a comprehensive study that would also examine how artificial intelligence is being used to alter text. Boehm told the committee AI raises questions about \"transparency, accuracy, and historical integrity,\" and asked members to support a study to identify policies that balance preservation and accessibility.

Jerry Rofstead, vice chancellor for strategy and strategic engagement at the North Dakota University System, testified in support and suggested the study include financial and operational impacts on institutions. Mary Susi, state librarian, testified she is neutral on the bill but said libraries already use collection development and retention policies that consider use, condition and availability of materials. Susi said she sees value in studying AI’s implications but requested that librarians be included in the study.

Committee members debated the bill’s language about whether the study \"shall consider\" or \"must\" examine particular topics. Senators pressed for clear language to ensure legislative management takes the study and for a fiscal analysis. Senator Baucher moved an amendment to add that \"the study must include the fiscal and operational impact of collection management.\" Senator Gearhart seconded the amendment. The committee approved the amendment by voice/tally (4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting).

After debate, Senator Baucher moved that the committee give the bill a due pass as amended; Vice Chair Lim seconded. The committee voted 4 yeas, 0 nays, 2 not voting, and the bill was reported from committee as amended. Committee discussion noted there is no appropriation attached to the study and that legislative management will ultimately determine which interim studies are taken up.

The bill’s study scope as amended includes preservation of original print and other formats, the operational burden of retaining multiple versions of texts (including storage and staffing), and the influence of AI on updating or rewriting historical texts. Committee members and witnesses emphasized that the library community should be included in any study design and that the study should produce a financial and operations analysis to inform future policy choices.

No substantive changes to statutory names or legal citations were proposed during the hearing. The amendment and the committee’s favorable report do not appropriate funds; the committee noted per-diem and routine interim-study costs would be borne by existing legislative council budgets.

The committee chair asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor; Senator Gearhart volunteered to carry SB 2278.","The Senate Education Committee voted 4-0 to give Senate Bill 2278 a \"do pass as amended,\" adding language that the study must include the fiscal and operational impact of collection management. The study would examine retention of original library texts and the role of AI in modifying materials.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate bill would create broad study of higher education to boost efficiency, dual credit and three-year degree pathways

Committee hears bill to pilot K–3 foreign-language stipends; tables measure for further drafting

Senate Education Committee advances study on retaining original library materials, adds fiscal and operational mandate