HB 1097 mandates a legislative study during the 2025-26 interim to examine accessibility of state and local government services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing differences. The study must assess communication barriers, review federal ADA requirements for government entities, and gather input from affected individuals, agencies, interpreters, and other stakeholders. It requires the legislative management to report findings and proposed legislation to the 70th Legislative Assembly. This bill directly affects deaf and hard of hearing North Dakotans by focusing on improving their access to government services. As a procedural study bill, it does not enact new policy but sets the stage for future legislative action.
SB 2163 raises the reporting threshold for contractors in North Dakota from $25,000 to $50,000 per project. It requires contractors completing projects over $50,000 in the previous year to submit detailed project listings, insurance certificates, and proof of paid payroll taxes when renewing their licenses. The bill directly affects licensed contractors performing large-scale projects within the state, shifting reporting obligations to fewer businesses. Key provisions include mandatory project documentation, insurance verification, and tax compliance checks during license renewal. This change simplifies reporting for smaller contractors while maintaining oversight for larger projects.
This bill creates a new chapter (6-08.6) in North Dakota's Century Code to adopt the Uniform Special Deposits Act. It establishes rules for handling special deposits, which typically involve funds held by financial institutions or agents for specific purposes (like escrow or fiduciary accounts). The bill directly affects banks, financial institutions, and individuals or businesses using such deposit services within North Dakota. However, the provided context does not include specific details about the act's provisions, key mechanisms, or exact scope of affected parties beyond its general adoption.
HB 1539 amends North Dakota law to clarify definitions and set procedures for "backup electric generation" - temporary, non-grid-connected power systems used to replace primary generation during outages. It requires utilities to submit written certifications to the Public Service Commission before construction activities, confirming the work won't affect protected areas and complies with existing siting rules. This applies specifically to temporary power systems (e.g., during power emergencies) and affects utilities building or modifying such infrastructure. The law standardizes the approval process for construction near designated avoidance areas.
HB 1224 simplifies the process for inheriting small estates in North Dakota by allowing claimants to collect assets using a sworn affidavit instead of court-appointed probate. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from a deceased person when the total estate value (minus debts) is under $510,000. The bill requires a 30-day wait after death, an affidavit confirming the estate size and no pending court proceedings, and allows debtors or transfer agents to release assets directly to the claimant. This eliminates the need for formal probate court involvement for qualifying small estates.
HB 1067 amends specific sections of North Dakota's Medicaid law to update medical assistance benefit rules and Medicaid waiver procedures. It directly affects Medicaid recipients by changing how benefits are managed under state law. The bill modifies administrative processes for Medicaid programs but does not specify new benefit levels or eligibility criteria. Signed into law on March 19, 2025, it takes effect upon filing with the Secretary of State. The changes focus on procedural updates to existing Medicaid operations.
HB 1217 repeals North Dakota's section 12.1-20-17 of the Century Code, which previously made it a crime to willfully transfer body fluids containing HIV. This procedural bill removes an existing criminal penalty related to HIV transmission through body fluids. The repeal directly affects individuals who might have faced prosecution under this specific law. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.
SB 2242, now law after being signed by the Governor on March 20, 2025, directs North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study of state higher education institutions during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The study will examine efficiency, dual-credit programs, tuition costs, uniform transcripts, credit transfers, and potential consolidation or satellite campuses. It does not change current policies but will produce recommendations for future legislation to address these areas. The study committee will include bipartisan legislative members and representatives from higher education, K-12, and key industries.
SB 2223 creates North Dakota's adoption of the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling licensed dietitians from participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work in multiple states and healthcare facilities serving patients in those states. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" that functions like a license in other member states, while requiring uniform education and examination standards and allowing states to share disciplinary information. The compact aims to increase patient access to dietetic services, reduce administrative burdens for professionals and states, and maintain each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public health and safety.
SB 2356 requires that deeds and contracts for deeds containing metes and bounds legal descriptions (which define property boundaries) must include the name and address of the person who drafted the description. This applies to new property transactions recorded after January 1, 2000, and affects property sellers, buyers, and county recorders. The bill specifies a required statement format ("The legal description was prepared by [name] [address]") to meet the requirement, preventing recorders from rejecting documents solely for missing this detail. It does not apply to instruments executed before 2000 or outside North Dakota. The law, signed by the Governor in March 2025, standardizes documentation for property records.
This bill changes how North Dakota classifies petty theft of property worth $500 or less. For first offenses, it makes such theft a class B misdemeanor (a misdemeanor penalty) if committed through shoplifting or if specific conditions are met (e.g., no threat, deception in a fiduciary relationship, or the defendant not being a public servant or financial employee). Repeat offenses within specified timeframes escalate penalties: second/third offenses become class A misdemeanors, and fourth or subsequent offenses become class C felonies. Courts must also provide written notice to defendants about potential enhanced penalties for repeat offenses under this law.
Relating to the cost of digital forensic examinations and the establishment of an internet crime investigation fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a penalty.
