North DakotaSB 23482025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 15-10 and a new chapter to title 50 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the acceptance of health care sharing ministries by an institution of higher education and health care sharing ministries' exemptions from insurance laws and regulations.

Sponsored By: Kent Weston (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Students gain a health coverage option

Active participation in a qualifying health care sharing ministry meets a North Dakota college's health coverage requirement for enrollment. This option excludes international students covered by the law's visa-related insurance rules. Ministry participation is not insurance and does not guarantee payment of medical bills.

International students face health insurance requirements

North Dakota colleges must ensure international students subject to federal visa health insurance rules obtain an insurance policy. This includes J, F, or M visa holders when those rules apply. Policies must meet U.S. Department of State minimum standards and State Board of Higher Education policy. Ministry participation does not replace this required insurance.

Sharing ministries gain exemptions with disclosures

Qualifying health care sharing ministries are not insurance businesses and are exempt from rules for insurance companies. They must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose members share ethical or religious beliefs. They arrange help through member contributions under their own criteria, without taking on risk or promising payment. Members must receive the prior month's dollar total of qualified needs shared. Ministries must obtain an annual independent certified public accounting firm audit using generally accepted accounting principles. They must post it online or provide it on request. Written notices with all applications and guidelines must explain that the ministry, its plan, and participation are not insurance. Notices must also explain that participation is voluntary and members remain responsible for their medical bills.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kent Weston

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Karen A. Anderson

    Republican • House

  • Jay Fisher

    Republican • House

  • SuAnn Olson

    Republican • House

  • Sean Cleary

    Republican • Senate

  • Bob Paulson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 116 • No: 20

House vote • 3/28/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 72 nays 19

Yes: 72 • No: 19

Senate vote • 2/17/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 44 nays 1

Yes: 44 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Filed with Secretary Of State 04/03

    4/4/2025House
  2. Signed by Governor 04/03

    4/3/2025Senate
  3. Sent to Governor

    4/2/2025Senate
  4. Signed by President

    4/2/2025Senate
  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/2/2025House
  6. Returned to Senate

    3/31/2025Senate
  7. Second reading, passed, yeas 72 nays 19

    3/28/2025House
  8. Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 12 1 1

    3/26/2025House
  9. Committee Hearing 09:00

    3/25/2025House
  10. Introduced, first reading, referred Industry, Business and Labor Committee

    2/21/2025House
  11. Received from Senate

    2/18/2025House
  12. Second reading, passed, yeas 44 nays 1

    2/17/2025Senate
  13. Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

    2/14/2025Senate
  14. Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 5 0 0

    2/13/2025Senate
  15. Committee Hearing 10:00

    2/4/2025Senate
  16. Introduced, first reading, referred Industry and Business Committee

    1/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Adopted by the Senate Industry and Business Committee

  • Enrollment

  • FIRST ENGROSSMENT

  • INTRODUCED

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