Rep. Mitch Ostlie

Maddy summarySB 2215 would require executive branch agencies and the judicial branch in North Dakota to obtain a specific request from legislative leadership before introducing a bill. The bill would prevent these branches from submitting proposed legislation directly to the legislature without such a prior request. This change would affect how state agencies and courts propose new laws, shifting the process to require legislative approval before drafting. The bill failed to pass in the legislature during its 2025 session, with 19 votes in favor and 28 against. It is a procedural rule change, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1256 would allocate $75,000 from North Dakota's general fund as one-time funding for the Parks and Recreation Department to provide grants for walking trail expansion projects. The bill specifically targets rural communities experiencing significant population growth during the 2025-2027 biennium. It directs the department to award grants for trail projects that improve recreational access in these growing areas. This is a procedural funding bill with no other substantive policy changes.

Relating to the costs of a defendant's prosecution, the cost of a presentence investigation and report, reimbursement of indigent defense costs and expenses, the fee for the indigent defense services application, the court administration fee, and the community service supervision fee; to repeal sections 12.1‑32‑02.2, 27‑01‑10, 27‑05.2‑08, 27‑05.2‑09, and 27‑05.2‑10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to repayment of rewards paid by crimestoppers programs, the fee for crime victim and witness programs, and the court facilities improvement and maintenance fund; and to provide for application.

Relating to exemptions from the employee classification system; and to repeal section 54‑52.5‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an incentive compensation plan for the state retirement and investment office.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 would limit annual increases in property taxes for residential homeowners in North Dakota by capping tax valuations at the average of the previous three years' values. Exceptions allow reassessment if property was previously untaxed, sold/transfered, or underwent significant improvements (not including routine maintenance or standard repairs after damage). The bill directly affects residential property owners by preventing sudden tax hikes from normal market value changes. It would take effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, and prohibits local governments from overriding these rules under home rule authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1187 creates a legal lien on fire insurance proceeds for debris removal after a total property loss. It directly affects property owners with fire insurance claims and local governments (cities or counties) in North Dakota. The bill requires insurers to notify owners and local auditors within 10 days of a total loss, allowing cities/counties to claim a lien equal to the greater of $5,000 or 10% of the policy’s real property coverage. The lien must be filed within 30 days and applies only to debris removal costs, not personal property or temporary housing payments. Local governments must release the lien once remediation is complete or insurance pays the claim.

Maddy summaryHB 1196 proposed standardizing criminal history record checks for specific applicants in North Dakota. It required individuals seeking certain jobs (like teachers, healthcare workers, foster parents, or adoption/parenting roles) to provide fingerprints and written consent for statewide and nationwide background checks, with agencies mandated to complete checks within three days. The bill applied to multiple state agencies including education boards, health departments, and foster care providers, but was withdrawn from consideration before becoming law.

Relating to the sale of raffle boards; and to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 53‑06.1‑14 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to affixing a North Dakota gaming stamp.

Relating to insurance cash value exemptions and homestead exemption.