North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2113

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
1/16/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Refer
1/21/25  
Report Pass
1/23/25  
Refer
1/24/25  
Report Pass
1/30/25  
Refer
1/31/25  
Report Pass
2/12/25  
Engrossed
2/17/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Refer
3/19/25  
Report Pass
3/28/25  
Enrolled
5/1/25  

Caption

The powers and duties of the department of health and human services, treatment hearing timelines, and membership of the cross-disability advisory council; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.

Impact

The bill is set to significantly impact state laws governing human services, especially in the area of behavioral health. The amendments will streamline the operations of the Department of Health and Human Services and enhance their accountability in managing services. By establishing voucher systems for underserved areas, the bill aims to improve service delivery and ensure that individuals suffering from substance use disorders have improved access to treatment. This would also mean that previously underfunded or neglected areas of the state may receive increased attention and resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 2113 seeks to amend various sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the Department of Health and Human Services. It includes provisions for the establishment of a behavioral health bed management system, which aims to improve the utilization of available behavioral health beds across state-operated clinics. Additionally, the bill establishes a voucher system to address underserved areas in the state, enabling outpatient and community-based substance use treatment services. This new structure aims to enhance the state’s capacity to address behavioral health issues effectively and ensure that residents have access to necessary services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 2113 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among proponents who see it as a critical step towards improving behavioral health services in North Dakota. Stakeholders in the healthcare community have expressed optimism about the bill's potential to reduce barriers to treatment and increase support for individuals facing substance use challenges. However, some advocates have raised concerns about the execution of the voucher system and whether it will adequately meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Contention

One notable point of contention pertains to the details of how the voucher system will be implemented and monitored. While supporters assert that it will provide necessary resources to underserved regions, critics warn that without proper oversight, such systems could lead to disparities in the quality of care provided. There are also concerns regarding the center's capacity to handle the expected increase in service demand as a result of these changes, raising questions about funding levels and operational support necessary for successful implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2112

The life skills and transition center; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a department of health and human services study; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2357

A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study regarding the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of creating a composite mental health licensing board.

ND HB1012

Leases of department of health and human services property, substance use disorder treatment program, basic care payment rates, state of residence for child care assistance, opioid settlement advisory committee, and children's cabinet; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1176

Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2308

Occupational and professional boards, the midwest interstate passenger rail compact, prison industry advisory committee, energy policy commission, medical marijuana advisory committee, onsite wastewater recycling technical committee, state board of water well contractors, committee on aging, brain injury advisory council, early childhood council, unemployment insurance advisory council, commission on the status of women, health information technology advisory committee, poet laureate nominating board, rural development council, America 250 commission, atmospheric resource board, and Devils Lake outlet management advisory committee; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HB1027

The administration of the state fire and tornado fund; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

ND HB1168

Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2280

Prior authorization for health insurance; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2305

The family paid caregiver service pilot project and the cross-disability advisory council; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1556

A child in need of protection and termination of parental rights; to create a workgroup under the children's cabinet to study out-of-home placement or treatment of children with behavioral health issues; to provide for a report; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.