The House Judiciary II Committee convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss significant amendments related to higher education and K-12 education in North Dakota. The meeting focused on the proposed legislation requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in school cafeterias, alongside discussions on funding and placement of these displays.

The first agenda item addressed the amendment to change the display requirement from "each classroom" to "each school," with a strong preference expressed for placing the displays in cafeterias. Committee members noted that this preference was consistent across both higher education and K-12 settings. The discussion highlighted the possibility of multiple displays in prominent and visible locations within schools.

The committee then moved to discuss funding for the displays. An amendment was proposed to limit funding sources to donated funds only, removing the option for schools to use their own funds. This change aimed to avoid unnecessary debates regarding school budgets. The committee unanimously agreed to this amendment.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the implications of the proposed legislation, particularly regarding its constitutionality. Representative Schneider raised concerns about the existing law that allows school boards to display the Ten Commandments but does not mandate it. In response, Representative Hoverson explained that the current cultural climate makes it challenging for schools to exercise this discretion, leading to the push for a mandatory requirement.

The discussion included references to previous legal precedents and the potential for court challenges if the bill were to pass. Representative Schneider emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions, arguing that promoting morality in schools could be achieved through existing codes of conduct without the need for religious displays.

After thorough debate, the committee proceeded to a roll call vote on the amendment. The motion to amend the bill passed with a vote of 11 to 3, indicating a majority support for the proposed changes.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing tension between educational policy, religious expression, and constitutional law in North Dakota. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the full bill, with implications for how schools navigate the intersection of education and religious displays in the future.