The House Human Services Committee of the North Dakota Legislature convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss critical funding proposals for mental health services in the state. The primary focus was on Senate Bill 2096, which proposed a $16 million allocation for regional acute psychiatric treatment.

Representative Frittlich opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of keeping mental health treatment accessible within local communities. He noted that the proposal stemmed from discussions with Saint Alexius, which outlined their capacity to expand services. However, he expressed concerns about the lack of a comprehensive business plan and analysis to justify the funding, suggesting that simply granting money to the department without clear parameters could lead to ineffective use of resources.

The committee members engaged in a dialogue about the necessity of staffing in mental health facilities, highlighting that even with funding, the absence of qualified personnel could hinder the effectiveness of any new projects. Representative Rohrer clarified that the proposed funding would not affect previously approved allocations for expanding adolescent care unit beds at Saint Alexius.

A motion was made by Representative Rohrer to recommend a "do not pass" on Senate Bill 2096, which was seconded by Representative Hawley. The committee members discussed the potential for future projects to emerge if the need arose, suggesting that it may be prudent to revisit funding opportunities when more concrete proposals are available.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that while there is a pressing need for enhanced mental health services, the current proposal lacked the necessary groundwork to warrant approval. The committee agreed to prioritize thoughtful planning and community engagement in future funding discussions.