All Roll Calls
Yes: 207 • No: 24
North DakotaHB 11192025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT to provide for a legislative management study regarding child care provider licensing; to provide for a program evaluation regarding child care services; and to create a child care services licensing advisory committee.
Sponsored By: House Human Services
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.
Inclusion support rules for disabilities
Starting April 1, 2026, providers can get early childhood inclusion support if they are self‑declared, licensed, registered, or recognized. They must work with formal support providers. They must also work with the family and an inclusion or health specialist to complete a care plan.
Small licensed child care in neighborhoods
Beginning April 1, 2026, a licensed child care program that serves 30 or fewer children is allowed in any residential zone. Local zoning rules cannot block it. The program must be licensed.
Best in class pre-K funding
Beginning April 1, 2026, the law funds 'best in class' early learning for 4‑year‑olds. Programs must serve children who turn four before August 1. They must offer at least 400 hours over 32 straight weeks and 10 hours of family engagement. They must meet quality standards, enroll children of all abilities, and accept child care assistance. The department can award and recapture funds if rules are not met.
Tighter rules for in-home care benefits
Beginning April 1, 2026, in‑home child care benefits require written proof. A health professional must state the child’s health or disability makes outside care risky, or a case manager must document an undue hardship. The department approves benefits only with this written documentation.
Faster approvals and stricter safety training
Beginning April 1, 2026, the department must decide complete license or self‑declaration applications within 30 days. Applicants and all people living in an in‑home provider’s residence must pass background checks. Staff must hold current infant and pediatric CPR with AED and first aid. The department sets training rules, including safe sleep and mandated reporter training, and generally allows 12 months to finish yearly training. Provisional approvals and sanctions are allowed if rules are not met.
Grants and referral help for families
Beginning April 1, 2026, the department can grant funds to public and nonprofit groups to plan, start, expand, or run child care. It applies each year for federal child care funds. It keeps a resource file updated at least every three months and runs a phone referral at least 20 hours a week.
Public funds only for licensed care
Starting April 1, 2026, state and local agencies cannot buy child care unless the provider is licensed, registered, recognized, or approved. This includes care in a relative’s home.
Higher fees and yearly license renewals
Beginning April 1, 2026, nonrefundable license fees apply: family child care $20 (1‑year) or $35 (2‑year); group $25/$45; preschool $30/$55; center $40/$75; multiple programs $50/$95. Apply less than 60 days before expiration and you pay double. Operating without a required license after written notice costs $50 per day. The maximum license term is now one year, so renewals are yearly.
Clearer program types and child counts
Beginning April 1, 2026, the law updates definitions for program types like family, group, center, and school‑age care. All children present through age 12 count toward capacity, except a provider’s own child, foster child, or grandchild over age 11. School‑age programs count ages 5 through 11.
Two old child care laws repealed
On April 1, 2026, sections 50‑11.1‑02.3 and 50‑11.1‑02.4 are repealed. Stakeholders should review the updated chapter to see what now applies.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
House Human Services
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/21/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 82 nays 11
Yes: 82 • No: 11
Senate vote • 4/14/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 41 nays 6
Yes: 41 • No: 6
House vote • 2/12/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 84 nays 7
Yes: 84 • No: 7
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/28
4/30/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/28
4/29/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/25/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/25/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 82 nays 11
4/21/2025HouseConcurred
4/21/2025HouseReturned to House (12)
4/14/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 41 nays 6
4/14/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
4/14/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 4 0 1
4/11/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 11:00
3/6/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Workforce Development Committee
2/17/2025SenateReceived from House
2/13/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 84 nays 7
2/12/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/10/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 12 0 1
2/7/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 11:00
1/27/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee
1/7/2025House
Bill Text
Adopted by the House Human Services Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with Senate Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Hogan
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