Committee considers bill allowing local boards to substitute one required credit in emergent cases

House Bill 1200 would let a local school board substitute an already completed elective or dual‑credit course for one required unit of credit for high‑school graduation when an “emergent circumstance” prevents a student from completing the required course.

Sponsor Representative Scott Lausser told the House Education Committee the bill was driven by a real case and asked members to hear the student’s story directly. Doctor Samantha Bridal, dean of academics at Bishop Ryan Catholic School in Minot, testified that a senior, Tyanna (sometimes transcribed as “Diana”) Weeks, was seriously injured on Jan. 31, 2024, in a crash that required months of specialized rehabilitation. Bridal described the injuries and recovery timeline on the record: “Tyanna suffered life threatening injuries and she was unable to return to school before graduation,” she said, explaining staff and hospital educators used limited communication methods to complete coursework while Weeks was hospitalized.

Bridal said Weeks completed almost all required units but lacked a half unit of economics, which Century Code lists alongside U.S. history and government as components tied to graduation requirements. Bridal told the committee that school staff and hospital educators worked to have Weeks complete the material during hospitalization — including nonverbal responses in the hospital setting — and the school arranged a hospital graduation ceremony — but Century Code’s existing phrasing left no administrative path for the district to substitute an alternate completed course.

Witnesses and DPI staff said the proposed language would allow local boards to craft policies for rare, emergent situations rather than creating a broad waiver. Jim Uphgren of the Department of Public Instruction said the department would need to change guidance documents and implementation materials if the statute were amended; DPI also said it would consider handbook and guidance updates after session. Witnesses stressed the bill does not remove statewide credit standards in ordinary circumstances; it creates a narrowly framed local option for emergencies.

Committee members asked technical questions about the scope and mechanics. Some concerns raised included defining “emergent circumstance,” ensuring substitutions are tied to completed coursework (the bill’s language uses the word “substitute” rather than “waive”), and whether existing optional‑curriculum paths (which allow fewer credits under specific conditions) would apply. Committee members also asked whether center‑based or distance‑learning credits and dual credit courses were covered; witnesses said existing approved courses — including dual credit and approved distance‑learning courses — were intended to be included.

No formal opposition was recorded on the hearing record. The committee closed the public hearing after members discussed the bill’s narrow scope and likely need for DPI to update guidance documents to implement any statutory change.

If passed, the measure would require school boards to adopt local policies and DPI to update public guidance and forms so districts and families understand when and how the substitution can be used.