School surveys take center stage in ongoing House fight

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Divided House lawmakers debated and eventually killed a bill covering school surveys.

If passed, Senate Bill 2105 would have prohibited third-party organizations from giving out surveys to school students. The biggest argument from sponsors is that parents get little notice about these surveys, which cover sensitive topics like sex and drug use.

Opponents explained that the bill threatens health units and organizations from gathering crucial data.

“They’re utilizing that for teen suicides, pregnancies, drug use and smoking. It’s more than just what you think on the paper,” said Rep. Pat Heinert, R-Bismarck.

The final vote was 44-to-40 in opposition, but supporters are planning to call for a revote on Monday when more members of the House come back.