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Bill

HB 1144

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 15.1-06-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Dick Anderson and 9 co-sponsors

HB 1144 mandates statewide transgender student restroom and accommodation policies in North Dakota public schools with penalties for non-compliance.

Filed with Secretary Of State 05/02
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Bill Summary · HB 1144

Legislative bill overview

HB 1144 amends North Dakota's Century Code to modify policies governing transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools. The bill establishes specific requirements for how schools must handle these situations and includes penalties for non-compliance. An emergency clause was included, suggesting the sponsors viewed immediate implementation as necessary.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects school policies that impact thousands of students and staff across North Dakota. The bill establishes a statewide standard rather than allowing individual school districts to set their own policies, which represents a significant shift in local control authority. School administrators, parents, and students have strong interests in these policies, making this a contentious issue with real operational and social implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: The bill removes discretion from individual school districts and their boards, which traditionally set student accommodation policies based on community needs
  • Student rights and dignity: Different stakeholders prioritize competing concerns—parental notification preferences, transgender student privacy and safety, and other students' comfort levels
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill includes penalties for schools, raising questions about what violations trigger consequences and how strictly enforcement will occur
  • Practical implementation: Schools must navigate competing legal, safety, and operational concerns without clear guidance on all real-world scenarios

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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