The House Education Committee voted to recommend a do-not-pass on House Bill 1449 and its companion, House Bill 1490, which would have changed counselor staffing language and required psychological evaluations for counselors.

Committee members said they had concerns about enforcement and unintended consequences if the bills became law. Representative Jonas, describing the staffing issue, said North Dakota’s counselor ratio goal is roughly “1 counselor for every 289 students” and that districts are receiving notices from the Department of Public Instruction that they are not meeting that benchmark. Jonas said rural districts and even some metro districts are losing counselors to the private sector because of pay.

Representative Hauck moved the do-not-pass motion on HB1449, arguing that the Department of Public Instruction currently only notifies districts and imposes no penalties; he said the existing law should remain because “there’s no repercussions if you’re not meeting that right now.” Representative Hager and other members opposed adding language such as “reasonable effort” because they said it could be vague and “muddle” enforcement.

On HB1490 — the bill that would have required periodic psychological evaluations — committee members objected to singling out counselors. Representative Schreiberbeck said the committee had no data showing counselors are uniquely at fault compared with other school employees and worried the provision would not prevent misconduct while imposing unclear costs and mechanisms. Representative Hager noted licensure renewal includes disclosure of infractions and cited that existing background checks and licensure procedures are already in place.

Chair Heiner called roll on both do-not-pass motions. Both measures were recorded as failing to advance with identical roll calls recorded as 10 yes, 0 no, 4 absent (10-0-4) on each bill.

Why it matters: The bills aimed to alter how schools staff counselors and to add oversight measures intended to protect students, but committee members said the bills as written either created ambiguity, singled out one role, or lacked clarity about costs and enforcement. The committee’s do-not-pass recommendation halts the proposals at the committee level unless revived later.

Votes at a glance: HB1449 — do not pass (motion by Representative Hauck; second by Representative Hager); recorded 10-0-4. HB1490 — do not pass (motion by Representative Schreiberbeck; second by Representative Huddleston); recorded 10-0-4.

Looking ahead: The transcript shows proponents and education groups raised staffing concerns that remain unresolved; committee members suggested maintaining current statute while monitoring DPI notifications and district hiring challenges.