Senate Panel Approves $10M Funding Increase for School Transportation Formula

The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures, including a bill aimed at addressing overcrowding in prisons and another focused on school construction funding.

One of the primary topics was a proposed bill that seeks to provide alternatives to incarceration, particularly for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Senator Devers highlighted the need for such alternatives, noting that the state has been grappling with prison overcrowding for years. The committee voted in favor of the bill, passing it with a 14-2 vote, emphasizing the goal of reintegrating individuals into society as law-abiding citizens rather than simply incarcerating them.

In a separate discussion, the committee reviewed a bill concerning the allocation of "in lieu of" funds for school construction. This bill aims to redirect a portion of funds that replace property taxes to support school districts with significant construction needs. Senator Shively explained that the bill originally targeted a limited number of schools but was amended to broaden its reach, potentially benefiting up to 80 districts. The committee approved an amendment ensuring that these funds would specifically be used for debt obligations related to construction, rather than for general maintenance or other expenses.

The committee also addressed the transportation funding formula for schools, which has been a longstanding issue. The proposed changes aim to create a more equitable system that reflects actual transportation costs based on student needs and distances traveled. Senator Shively noted that the current funding model has not kept pace with rising costs, and the new formula would help ensure that transportation funding aligns more closely with actual expenses incurred by school districts.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored the legislature's commitment to addressing pressing issues in both the criminal justice and education systems, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions that benefit North Dakota communities. The next steps involve further deliberation and potential adjustments to the proposed bills as they move through the legislative process.