HCR 3020 is a symbolic resolution urging North Dakota to formally acknowledge "the Kingship of Jesus Christ" based on religious references in the bill text. It does not create new laws, policies, or requirements; instead, it requests the state adopt this religious acknowledgment. The resolution would have required the Secretary of State to forward copies to the Governor, President, and congressional delegation. The bill failed to pass the legislature on February 18, 2025, with 31 votes in favor and 59 against.
HB 1616 modifies North Dakota's voter list access rules to clarify who can obtain voter data and for what purposes. It allows candidates, political parties, and committees to access voter lists for election-related activities but prohibits selling or misusing the data. The bill also creates new protections by making "secured active" voter records exempt from disclosure and specifies that funds from producing voter lists must go into the secretary of state's general fund. These changes directly affect political campaigns, election officials, and voters whose data is managed through the central voter file.
Relating to a life science research council; to repeal section 4.1‑01‑20.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the bioscience innovation grant program; to provide a report; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
HB 1493 is a procedural bill that seeks to repeal North Dakota's Section 54-60-31 of the Century Code, which established the "office of legal immigration." The bill does not create new policy but would eliminate the legal framework for this specific office. It was introduced in January 2025, referred to a committee, and ultimately failed to pass on February 18, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 67 against. This repeal would directly affect the existence of the office of legal immigration, which was created under the repealed section.
HB 1306 would revise North Dakota's rules for charging fees when requesting public records. It sets a 25-cent fee per paper copy (max 8.5x14 inches), requires actual costs for non-paper copies, and allows up to $25 per hour for locating records (with free annual service for state citizens under 40 hours). Public entities could charge for postage, require payment before processing, and withhold records until prior balances are paid. The bill specifically applies to government agencies handling public records requests.
HB 1141 would prohibit North Dakota government employees and officials from using public property (such as vehicles, buildings, or equipment) or public services (like employee time during work hours) for political activities. It defines "political purpose" broadly to include campaign ads, candidate endorsements, or using terms like "vote for" near elections, while exempting bona fide news coverage or public office duties. Violations could result in personal liability for officials or complaints filed with the ethics commission, which may refer criminal cases to prosecutors. The bill aims to prevent misuse of public resources for political gain during election periods.
Relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25‑13‑01.1 and 47‑16‑07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling; and to provide a penalty.
HB 1576 requests a study by North Dakota's legislative management to examine how oil and gas tax revenues are distributed to local governments (like cities and counties). The study, to be completed during the 2025-26 interim, would analyze current and historical revenue allocations and assess whether distribution levels align with infrastructure needs tied to oil and gas development. It would require the legislative management to report findings and proposed legislation to the 2027 legislature. The bill does not change current revenue rules but aims to inform future policy decisions.
HB 1463 requires that district political organizations in North Dakota hold their endorsing caucuses and official committee meetings within the geographic boundaries of their legislative district, as defined by law. The bill specifies that if a district overlaps multiple incorporated cities, meetings must be held within that city's boundaries. It does not change election rules or candidate selection but sets procedural location requirements for internal party meetings. This is a procedural bill focused solely on meeting locations, not policy outcomes.
HB 1443 updates North Dakota's special registration for farm and forestry vehicles by clarifying definitions and revising fee structures. It defines "farm vehicles" as trucks/trailers under 105,500 lbs used exclusively for farm operations (not commercial business) and creates a separate "forestry vehicle" category for forestry-related work. The bill establishes a tiered fee schedule based on vehicle weight and years registered, with lower rates for qualifying vehicles compared to commercial rates. This directly affects North Dakota farmers and forestry business owners who register eligible heavy-duty vehicles for non-commercial farm or forestry use.
HB 1301 would require North Dakota courts to explicitly prohibit probationers from possessing firearms, destructive devices, or dangerous weapons as a standard condition of probation, except for specific first-time misdemeanor offenses under certain sections (like minor traffic violations or low-level drug offenses) if the court makes a documented finding of "good cause" to waive the ban. It also adds new probation conditions like community service, electronic monitoring, and strict rules against failing urine tests, while prohibiting firearm bans for most other misdemeanors. The bill applies to all probation sentences imposed after its effective date. This would directly affect individuals on probation for most crimes, limiting their access to firearms unless specific legal exceptions apply.
HB 1544 amends North Dakota's drainage permit requirements to clarify rules for landowners installing drainage systems. It requires permits for draining water bodies with 80+ acres of watershed or smaller systems affecting downstream property, involving investigations to prevent flooding damage and flowage easements if needed. For smaller subsurface drainage systems (under 80 acres), landowners must notify downstream neighbors and water districts 60 days in advance, follow specific installation rules (like erosion controls), and may need full permits if objections are raised. The bill directly affects agricultural landowners installing drainage systems, with provisions applying only to land used for crops or grazing. It does not cover systems discharging into fully owned water bodies.
