relative to the moderator's authority to verify the device count during an election.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 4 co-sponsors

Requires districts to adopt suspension/expulsion rules with due-process hearings and parental participation, and sets max suspensions up to 10–20 days and expulsions up to 12 month

Special Order next order ofbusiness (Rep. Scully): MF DV 27-319 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 49

Main purpose

To revise and clarify statutory rules governing the suspension and expulsion of students in kindergarten through grade 12 by requiring school boards to adopt specific procedural rules, setting maximum suspension and expulsion periods for specified misconduct, and ensuring procedural due process and parental participation in expulsion decisions.

Key provisions

Amends NDCC § 15.1‑19‑09 to require each school district board to adopt rules on suspension and expulsion.

Due process for expulsion:

Expulsion rules must provide for a procedural due‑process hearing (as referenced in subsection 2 of § 15.1‑19‑10) before a decision to expel is made.
A student’s parent or representative must be allowed to participate in the expulsion hearing.

Suspension limits for certain conduct (insubordination, habitual indolence, disorderly conduct, or violating a district weapons policy):

Regular K–12 students: suspension up to 10 school days.
Students enrolled in an alternative education program that receives state per‑student payments: suspension up to 20 school days.

Expulsion limits:

A student (including alternative‑education enrollees) may be expelled for up to 12 months for the listed offenses, provided the expulsion does not extend beyond the end of the current school year.
A student who violates a school weapons policy may be expelled for up to 12 months; expulsions for weapons policy violations may be processed under § 15.1‑19‑10.

Discretion and review:

School districts must consider severity of the infraction, student age, and disciplinary history when determining expulsion length.
Districts may review and reduce expulsion duration if a student meets conditions for reinstatement established by the district.

Who is affected

Primary: K–12 students in North Dakota (regular and alternative‑education program enrollees) and their parents/representatives.

Secondary: School boards and district administrators (required to adopt or update rules and to hold due‑process hearings), teachers and school staff who implement discipline policies.

Procedural / timeline notes

The bill amends and reenacts NDCC § 15.1‑19‑09 (students — suspension and expulsion).

Status reported: Filed with the Secretary of State on 04/16 (per bill file information provided). The bill text and bill history show committee consideration and standard legislative readings; readers should consult the official legislative website or Secretary of State filings for current enactment and effective‑date details.

Practical impact

Codifies maximum suspension and expulsion durations for specified misconduct and clarifies procedural protections (hearing and parental participation), which may standardize district discipline processes across the state.

Requires school boards to ensure their policies and procedures comply with the statute (possible administrative updates and training).

Emphasizes individualized consideration (age, severity, history) and provides mechanism to review/reduce expulsions if reinstatement criteria are met.

Bill