All Roll Calls
Yes: 227 • No: 0
North DakotaHB 15562025 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 27-20.3-01, and sections 27-20.3-15 and 27-20.3-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a child in need of protection and termination of parental rights; to create a workgroup under the children's cabinet to study out-of-home placement or treatment of children with behavioral health issues; to provide for a report; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Sponsored By: Gregory Stemen (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Court relief for adoptive parents in crisis
If you adopted a child, you can ask a court to end your parental rights in extreme cases. All three must be true: a licensed child psychologist or psychiatrist diagnoses a severe mental or behavioral disorder; the child commits a violent or sexual act against a household family member that would be a crime for an adult; and you cannot control the child and fear for a family member’s safety. If the judge sees credible evidence, the law presumes the petition is granted. This presumption can be overcome only with clear and convincing proof that safeguards will keep everyone safe. You must prove the extreme circumstances, and your petition must name the Department of Health and Human Services as a respondent.
Broader child protection, limits on termination
The law expands when a child counts as in need of protection. A child meets this if all three are true: a licensed child psychologist or psychiatrist diagnoses a severe mental or behavioral disorder; the child commits a violent or sexual act against a household family member that would be a crime for an adult; and the parent cannot control the child and fears for a family member’s safety. Courts can treat the child as needing protection and consider placement or treatment outside the home. However, this specific finding cannot be used as the listed child-abuse-or-neglect ground to file to end parental rights.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Gregory Stemen
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Mike Beltz
Republican • House
Jason Dockter
Republican • House
Jared C. Hagert
Republican • House
Jon O. Nelson
Republican • House
Emily O'Brien
Republican • House
Mitch Ostlie
Republican • House
Kyle Davison
Republican • Senate
Judy Lee
Republican • Senate
Kristin Roers
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/17/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 0, Emergency clause carried
Yes: 91 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 46 nays 0
Yes: 46 • No: 0
House vote • 2/21/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 90 nays 0, Emergency clause carried
Yes: 90 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/23
4/25/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/23
4/24/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/22/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/22/2025HouseSigned by President
4/21/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 0, Emergency clause carried
4/17/2025HouseConcurred
4/17/2025HouseReturned to House (12)
4/9/2025HouseEmergency clause carried
4/9/2025SenateSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 46 nays 0
4/9/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
4/9/2025SenateLaid over one legislative day
4/8/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 6 0 0
4/7/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 10:15
3/12/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, (emergency), referred Human Services Committee
3/7/2025SenateReceived from House
2/24/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 90 nays 0, Emergency clause carried
2/21/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/20/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 13 0 0
2/19/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:20
1/27/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Human Services Committee
1/20/2025House
Bill Text
Adopted by the House Human Services Committee
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with Senate Amendments
INTRODUCED
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