SB 2140 amends North Dakota's dementia care program to expand support for individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The bill requires the state department to contract with private providers for a statewide program that identifies regional services, educates medical professionals and the public about dementia symptoms and early detection, assesses needs, and facilitates referrals to care. Key provisions include training for care providers, consultation services for clients and caregivers, and promoting awareness of treatments and research opportunities. This law directly affects dementia patients, their families, and regional human service centers across North Dakota.
SB 2238 allows tenants evicted under North Dakota law to request the sealing of their court records after meeting specific conditions. Generally, individuals can petition to seal records seven years after satisfying the eviction order. Survivors of domestic violence who were evicted during their tenancy may immediately petition to seal records upon a conviction for domestic violence or issuance of a restraining order against their abuser. This bill directly affects evicted tenants, particularly those who experienced domestic violence, by removing their eviction records from public access.
SB 2290 amends North Dakota law governing punitive damages (also called "exemplary damages"). It clarifies that courts or juries may only award these punitive damages when a defendant's conduct involves "oppression, fraud, or actual malice," proven by clear and convincing evidence. The bill sets strict procedural rules: a party must first file a motion with supporting evidence to seek punitive damages, and the award cannot exceed twice the compensatory damages or $250,000. It also prohibits punitive damages against manufacturers who complied with federal safety standards and adds specific rules for drunk driving cases involving recent DUI convictions. This law directly affects plaintiffs seeking punitive damages, defendants, and courts handling such claims in North Dakota.
Relating to careless driving and causing injury to the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle or damage to an authorized emergency vehicle; and to provide a penalty.
HB 1551 creates new state regulations for products called "beneficial substances" (substances that improve plant or soil health without being pesticides or standard fertilizers). It requires sellers to label products with clear information like ingredients, usage instructions, and net weight, and to obtain a $100 distributor license for each location. Sellers must also pay $50 per product for registration and $10 or $0.20 per ton for inspections, with penalties for late fees. Certain common soil products like compost, mulch, and garden soil are exempt from full labeling rules. The law directly affects businesses selling these agricultural products in North Dakota.
HB 1213 establishes a new "Jail Improvement Revolving Loan Fund" administered by the Bank of North Dakota to provide low-interest loans for jail infrastructure projects. It directly affects counties and regional correctional authorities, enabling them to apply for loans (up to $40 million at 2% interest over 30 years) to renovate, expand, or replace aging jail facilities meeting specific cost and capacity criteria. The bill creates a committee to review applications based on factors like inmate occupancy, structure age, and community support, and mandates a $200 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to seed the new loan program for the 2025-2027 biennium. The fund operates as a revolving loan program, with principal and interest repayments replenishing the fund for future projects.
SB 2231 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover specific dental and behavioral services, directly affecting recipients of medical assistance who need these services. The bill mandates coverage for family adaptive behavioral treatment guidance, dental screenings, dental case management for special populations (including children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), and asynchronous teledentistry to improve access. It explicitly states these new coverage requirements do not apply to Medicaid expansion programs for children and adults. The bill failed to pass in the Senate on March 27, 2025, with 33 votes in favor and 59 against.
HB 1238 amends North Dakota's teaching license rules to require teachers with lifetime licenses to report certain information to the Education Standards Board every five years. Specifically, it mandates that these teachers submit a report disclosing any criminal violations since their last report or any issues that could lead to license revocation. The report must be provided in a board-prescribed format but cannot cost the teacher anything. This change directly affects North Dakota teachers who have held a teaching license for 30 years and received lifetime licensure.
SB 2362 amends North Dakota's school accreditation rules to give public and nonpublic schools two accreditation choices: the state's defined process or nationally recognized accrediting organizations approved by the superintendent. The superintendent must establish a selection process involving education stakeholders (like school administrators and boards) and periodically review each option's effectiveness in improving student achievement. Schools can choose the option best matching their instructional goals, but all must meet state standards for education quality and provide measurable student outcome data. The law ensures accreditation directly supports state education goals while offering flexibility to schools.
HB 1554 restructures the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Advisory Board by defining its 12-member composition: four agricultural representatives (from farm bureau, farmers union, stockmen's association, and grain growers), two energy industry members (petroleum and lignite councils), four conservation group representatives, plus one business and one recreation association member. The bill establishes four-year terms with a two-term limit, requires at least two annual meetings, and specifies that grant recommendations must have majority board approval. It does not create new programs or funding but clarifies board membership, meeting procedures, and grant review processes for existing outdoor heritage initiatives. The bill was enacted as an emergency measure and signed into law in March 2025.
Relating to an animal agriculture facility infrastructure fund; to amend and reenact subsection 9 of section 11‑23‑02 and section 57‑39.2‑26 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to county budget limits and the allocation of sales tax revenue; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.
SB 2136 amends North Dakota laws (sections 5-04-02 and 5-04-14 of the Century Code) to regulate relationships between brewers and beer wholesalers. It prohibits brewers from: forcing wholesalers to accept unrequested products, threatening to cancel agreements to compel illegal actions, restricting wholesalers' ability to sell competing brands (unless quality/sales are materially harmed), demanding confidential financial data, failing to provide written contracts, or mandating specific e-commerce platforms. The bill also requires new brewer owners to honor existing agreements with wholesalers, unless "good cause" exists under state law. This directly affects brewers and beer wholesalers operating in North Dakota by establishing clearer, more transparent business terms.
