Immigration

This bill updates North Dakota's rules for corporate farms and ranching LLCs by clarifying what constitutes farming/ranching, requiring all owners to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and mandating detailed annual reports. It directly affects corporate and LLC entities operating agricultural businesses in North Dakota, particularly those with non-U.S. ownership. Key provisions include defining farming activities (excluding certain services), setting citizenship requirements for all shareholders/members, and requiring disclosure of ownership percentages, citizenship status, and voting structures. The annual reports must detail each owner's citizenship, business involvement, and corporate structure.

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 This repeal would directly affect the existence of the office of legal immigration, which was created under the repealed section.

Relating to the establishment of the immigration law clinic at the university of North Dakota school of law; to provide for a report; and to provide an appropriation.

HB 1291, despite its title suggesting a "legislative management study," actually creates new enforcement provisions targeting employment of unauthorized workers in North Dakota. The bill prohibits private employers from hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers (defined per federal law) and requires labor commissioner investigations for violations, with cases referred to the attorney general for prosecution. Penalties include escalating civil fines ($5,000 to $30,000) and business license suspensions or revocations for repeated offenses. The bill failed to pass the legislature on April 4, 2025, with 44 votes against and 1 in favor.

Relating to the prohibition of sanctuary city policies and to create the sanctuary compliance fund; to provide a penalty; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

HB 1585 requires North Dakota peace officers (such as police and sheriffs) to report individuals they reasonably believe are in the U.S. illegally to U.S. immigration authorities. Officers must use a designated tip line or online form as soon as possible after forming this belief. Violating this requirement would be classified as an infraction, not a criminal offense. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 7, 2025.