The Senate Education Committee on Thursday recommended passage of Senate Bill 2043, which would let the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) deny or immediately revoke a teaching license when an educator is convicted of a crime against a child or an equivalent federal offense, eliminating the need for a second special meeting if a case moves from state to federal jurisdiction.

Senator Axman, who introduced the bill, said the change "would allow ESPB to mirror their processes if the charges are found under state or federal law," reducing the risk of gaps between charging jurisdictions. Becky Pitkin, executive director of the Education Standards and Practices Board, told the committee the amendment would allow the board to take the same immediate action after a federal conviction as it now takes for state convictions under existing law. Pitkin said the board currently convenes a special meeting as soon as possible to offer a settlement agreement to immediately suspend a license and that the proposed amendment would apply the same remedy to equivalent federal charges.

Pitkin cited North Dakota Century Code 15.1-13-25(1)(c) and said the amendment would clarify authority in cases that move between state and federal court: "Often times we have seen that cases will move between state and federal jurisdictions for related crimes and the board should have the same remedies available to it to protect students no matter whether the case is brought in state or federal court." She added that ESPB's actions are added to a national clearinghouse that other states check when licensing educators.

Greg Kosowski, representing the Children's Advocacy Centers of North Dakota, voiced support, saying the 11 centers across the state serve child-abuse victims and that the bill is "just one step" toward keeping children safe.

After testimony the committee approved a motion for a due pass on the bill. Senator Wabamaw moved the due-pass recommendation and Senator Beauche seconded the motion. The clerk took a voice roll call after electronic voting difficulties; committee members recorded as voting aye were Chairman Beard, Vice Chair Lamb, Senator Axman, Senator Bogie, Senator Gearhart and Senator Wabamaw. The clerk announced the motion passed.

Pitkin told the committee the bill prevents the board from having to convene a second special meeting if jurisdiction shifts and avoids gaps that can occur while settlement agreements are renegotiated. The ESPB urged a due pass recommendation.

The committee also addressed administrative next steps: the transcript records a brief exchange about finding a bill carrier; Senator Axman was listed as the bill's carrier before the committee closed the hearing on SB 2043.