The House Human Services Committee of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on February 10, 2025, to discuss key amendments and provisions related to health care and support for families in the state. The meeting focused on a bill that aims to expand health care coverage for children and young adults.

The session began with a voice vote on a motion, which passed without opposition. The primary topic of discussion was an amendment proposed by President Fralick to remove subsection 6 from the bill. This subsection aimed to extend health care benefits to siblings of children born in North Dakota, a provision that sparked debate among committee members regarding the definition of eligibility for North Dakota residents.

Representative Fegely highlighted that the existing law allows pregnant women who qualify to receive medical care, ensuring that their newborns are recognized as North Dakotans and eligible for benefits. The proposed amendment to remove subsection 6 was discussed, and after a roll call vote, the motion carried with a vote of nine to one.

The committee then turned its attention to section 2 of the bill, which proposed extending the age limit for waivers from 18 to 21 years. This change aims to support young adults transitioning from high school to adulthood, addressing concerns about the challenges faced during this period. Krista Fleming, a representative from the department, confirmed that 23 children would age out of the current waiver system if the change was not implemented.

Following discussions, the committee voted on the amended bill, which passed unanimously with an eleven to zero vote. The bill will now be referred to appropriations for further consideration.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing health care access for families in North Dakota, particularly for children and young adults. The next steps involve further review and potential funding considerations as the bill progresses through the legislative process.