Judiciary

This bill amends North Dakota's gaming laws to eliminate dog racing by removing it from the definition of "racing" and prohibiting wagering on dog races under the certificate system. It updates licensing requirements for manufacturers and distributors of electronic pull tab devices, bingo systems, and other gaming equipment, imposing annual fees ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 with portions of fees directed to a charitable gaming technology fund. The bill directly affects gaming equipment manufacturers, distributors, and racetracks previously authorized for dog racing. Key mechanisms include revised licensing fees, restrictions on selling gaming equipment to unauthorized parties, and a ban on dog racing wagering.

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.

HR 5001 is a non-binding resolution introduced by the North Dakota House of Representatives. It urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its 2015 *Obergefell v. Hodges* decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and restore marriage to its "traditional" definition as a union between one man and one woman. The resolution argues the Supreme Court's ruling conflicts with the Constitution, historical legal traditions, and state sovereignty, claiming it undermines religious liberty and the principle that marriage has been defined as between one man and one woman for centuries. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was withdrawn from consideration the same month and has no legal effect.

Relating to transfers of charitable gaming funds; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for retroactive application; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to legal fees and costs a surface owner may be awarded in cases relating to the development of minerals.