ND SB2129

Department of Health and Human Services shall establish and maintain an alternatives-to-abortion program that disburses funds to nongovernmental entities providing information, counseling, support services, and material assistance to pregnant women and parents or relatives caring for children twelve months of age or younger.

Religious organizations receiving disbursements may retain independence from state and local governments, including control over their religious beliefs, and may not be required to alter internal governance or remove religious symbols as a condition of receiving funds.

Individuals receiving services who object to the religious character of a provider shall be offered assistance of equal value from an alternative provider within a reasonable timeframe.

Religious organizations may not discriminate in providing services based on religion or refusal to participate in religious practice, and funds segregated into separate accounts may only be audited for those specific accounts.

$1,000,000 appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025.