Rep. David Richter

Maddy summarySB 2357 proposes a legislative study to examine whether merging five separate mental health licensing boards (for psychologists, social workers, addiction counselors, counselors, and marriage/family therapists) into a single "composite board" would be feasible, beneficial, and address challenges. The bill would amend North Dakota law to create a new structure for this unified board while repealing existing statutes governing the five individual boards. This study would directly affect mental health professionals seeking or renewing licenses in these fields, as well as the state agencies managing their licensing. The bill does not create the board itself but authorizes an assessment to determine if consolidation is warranted.

Maddy summarySCR 4019 is a concurrent resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study reading and math proficiency rates among students with disabilities and evaluate current educational policies, programs, and funding. It requires examining systemic barriers like insufficient special education funding, teacher shortages, and rural-urban disparities, while gathering input from parents, educators, and advocacy groups. The study must analyze performance data, identify gaps in policy effectiveness, and review successful models from other states. Its goal is to produce recommendations for reducing achievement disparities and improving resource allocation, with findings to be reported to the next legislative session. This resolution does not change existing laws but initiates a review to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 creates a special education funding study committee to examine current funding models in North Dakota during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The committee, composed of legislators, school administrators, special education directors, and business managers, will review funding approaches including student contracts, high-cost student support, residential placements, and Medicaid reimbursement. It must submit findings and legislative recommendations to the 70th legislative assembly by the end of the interim period. This bill directly affects North Dakota's public school systems and special education programs by initiating a formal review of how funding is structured.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 amends North Dakota's agriculture infrastructure grant program to specifically fund road and bridge improvements needed for value-added agriculture businesses. It directs the agriculture commissioner (with transportation department input) to award grants to counties, cities, and townships for projects like corridor upgrades on local roads or access road/bridge repairs serving these businesses. The bill directly affects local governments managing infrastructure and businesses processing agricultural products (like food manufacturing or packaging). Key provisions require grants to target infrastructure directly supporting value-added agriculture operations, not general road maintenance. This law, signed by the governor on March 24, 2025, clarifies and expands the program's focus.

Maddy summarySB 2101 amends North Dakota's emergency medical services (EMS) response time requirements under Section 23-27-04 of the Century Code. The bill modifies specific standards that ambulance services and emergency response agencies must meet when responding to medical emergencies. It directly affects EMS providers statewide by updating their operational compliance requirements. The bill became law on March 19, 2025, after final approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2100) amends a specific section of North Dakota's law (23-27-04.3) regarding training requirements for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. The provided context does not include the specific changes made to the training standards, such as updated curriculum, certification processes, or who is directly affected (e.g., EMTs, paramedics, training providers). As it is a procedural amendment to an existing code section, the summary cannot describe concrete policy changes or mechanisms without additional details. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 18, 2025, and filed with the Secretary of State on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1107 would have created a new state income tax deduction in North Dakota for individuals who received Segal AmeriCorps education awards. The bill aimed to allow taxpayers to reduce their state taxable income by the amount of their Segal AmeriCorps education award. This provision would have directly affected North Dakota residents who earned these specific education awards through the Segal AmeriCorps program. The bill failed to pass in the North Dakota House of Representatives on March 7, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 25 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1179 would require North Dakota's public institutions of higher education to provide faculty members with at least a 12-month appointment 24 days of paid time off annually. It mandates institutions to track accrued time off, sets a limit of 30 days to carry over into the next year, and requires payment for unused time upon termination (capped at 54 days total). Institutions failing to implement this by August 1, 2025, would need to grant 54 days of paid time off to faculty by January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects faculty at all public colleges and universities governed by the state board of higher education.

Relating to a legacy fund school construction assistance loan fund; to amend and reenact section 21‑10‑11, relating to the legacy and budget stabilization fund advisory board; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 1604 creates a new state program to fund K-12 school construction in North Dakota, directly affecting school districts seeking state assistance for new buildings. To qualify, districts must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating renovation costs exceed 60% of new construction costs, having a failed referendum for construction/renovation within a set timeframe, and securing their share of funding. The bill establishes tiered state funding rates (from 5% to 95% of costs) based on a district’s property tax valuation ("mill value"), with a $600 million appropriation allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium. It also requires districts to use state-appointed architectural firms meeting strict in-state criteria and mandates plans for long-term building maintenance. The program expires on July 1, 2035.