House Education Committee opens hearing on bill to increase funding for English learners; members seek amendments

Representative Jim Jonas opened the hearing on House Bill 1494, telling the committee the bill addresses funding for English learners (also referred to in testimony as multilingual learners). Jonas said he introduced the bill after requests from Dakota TESOL and educators across the state and described growing multilingual student populations in districts such as West Fargo, Bismarck and Dickinson.

Nut Graf: Teachers, district coordinators and advocacy groups testified in support of HB1494, urging increased and updated funding to reflect current English‑learner needs. They recommended amendments to expand funding to higher proficiency levels and to revisit a three‑year cap on funding at a proficiency level that can leave long‑term learners unfunded. DPI staff provided current counts and explained how annual…