Votes at a glance: key outcomes from the Jan. 23 North Dakota House special session

The North Dakota House recorded a series of final votes in its Jan. 23 special session. Outcomes for the principal measures were:

• HB 16-21 — Physical fitness tests and PE requirements: Passed 90–2. Sponsor Representative Jonas described the bill as restoring Presidential physical fitness testing, adding PE course language and giving DPI authority to set exception criteria. "The superintendent of public instruction may establish criteria for an exceptions to the presidential fitness test in alignment with federal guidance," the sponsor said during remarks.

• HB 16-22 — Physician assistant licensure compact: Passed 93–0. Representative Dobrevitch said joining the compact expands workforce mobility and increases North Dakota’s score in the rural health grant competition, translating to approximately $3.48 million in additional points over five years.

• HB 16-23 — Acceptance of rural health transformation grant funds: Passed 90–2. The bill authorizes the state to accept federal award funds, creates Bank of North Dakota gap-funding and a 2% loan program, and includes reporting and procurement provisions to meet federal timelines. Sponsor Representative Nelson summarized the appropriation language and said projects must be committed quickly to match CMS requirements.

• HB 16-24 — Universal school meals statute: Passed 55–38. The bill places a universal-meals program in statute (not the constitution) and includes a one‑year $65 million appropriation from the Strategic Investment Fund to start the program in the 2026 school year. Debate centered on cost, local control and implementation logistics; opponents argued it would cover higher-income families, while supporters stressed relief to parents and legislative flexibility.

• HB 16-25 — Sale and relocation related to Ray Richards Golf Course (DOT project): Passed 93–0. Representative Sanford explained DOT’s plans for a 42nd Street underpass and a federal funding path; the bill facilitates sale and relocation of affected holes with federal funds and university cooperation.

• HB 16-26 — Clarification of primary residence credit calculation: Passed 93–0. The bill clarifies how the $1,600 primary residence property tax credit is applied when residents take the early-payment discount.

• HB 16-27 — Additional appropriations for targeted school-meal eligibility (300% federal poverty level change and additional funds): Failed 45–48. The appropriations committee sent the bill to the floor without recommendation; the House defeated it on final consideration.

• HCR 30-38 — Recognition of the YMCA in North Dakota: Passed 93–0.

Several votes included recorded tallies and brief floor exchanges; on multiple bills speakers emphasized next steps for administrative implementation, reporting to the Legislature, and interagency coordination.