HB 1556 — 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.

25.1093.02000 Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly of North Dakota FIRSTIn ENGROSSMENTRegular ENGROSSEDSession Commencing Tuesday, January 7, 2025 HOUSE BILL NO.

1556 Introduced(Representatives by Representatives Stemen, Beltz, Hagert, O'Brien, Ostlie, Dockter, NelsonNelson) Senators(Senators Lee, Roers, DavisonDavison) AAN BILLACT for 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;

Pagef. No.

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(2) Has committed an act of a violent or sexual nature against another family member living in the household, which if committed by an adult would be considered a crime under the laws of this state;state, and if the criteria under section 27-20.4-11 are met, has at minimum been considered for informal adjustment;

and (3)H. Whose parent is unable to provide proper control of the child and is in fear for the safety of a family member living in the same household as the child.

B.

NO.

1556 - PAGE 2 (3) Whose parent is unable to provide proper control of the child and is in fear for the safety of a family member living in the same household as the child.

Pagec. No.

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(2)H. The portion of the child's life spent living in the household of a parent of the child;

B.

NO.

1556 - PAGE 3 (2) The portion of the child's life spent living in the household of a parent of the child;

and Page(5) No.The expressed wishes of a child age ten or older.

3 25.1093.02000 Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly (5) The expressed wishes of a child age ten or older.

Pageb. No.

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and (3)H. Such services have not been provided consistent with time periods described in the case plan.

B.

NO.

1556 - PAGE 4 (3) Such services have not been provided consistent with time periods described in the case plan.

Page(1) No.Denying a petition to grant care, custody, and control of the child to the human service zone or the division of juvenile services;

5 25.1093.02000 Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly (1) Denying a petition to grant care, custody, and control of the child to the human service zone or the division of juvenile services;

SECTIONH. 4.

B.

NO.

1556 - PAGE 5 SECTION 4.

CHILDREN'S CABINET - WORKGROUP - OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT OR TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES - REPORT.

1.

During the 2025-26 interim, the children's cabinet shall establish a workgroup to study the out-of-home placement or treatment of children with serious behavioral health issues.

The study must include consideration of children who also are involved in juvenile court proceedings due to criminal activity.

2.

The workgroup shall develop and implement a system of care for children with serious behavioral health issues, who may be involved in juvenile court proceedings due to criminal activity, and who are in need of out-of-home placement or treatment.

3.

The workgroup must be led by a consultant with expertise in navigating and managing the intersecting systems involved in the out-of-home placement and treatment processes for children with serious behavioral health issues and children involved in juvenile court proceedings due to criminal activity.