Rep. Austen Schauer

Maddy summarySB 2285 would require North Dakota courts to interpret state laws, regulations, and rules without deferring to administrative agencies' interpretations. It directly affects state agencies (like environmental or health departments) that create regulations and courts that review those regulations. The bill's key provision mandates that after applying standard interpretation rules, courts must resolve any remaining ambiguity against increasing agency authority. The bill failed to pass in the Senate in March 2025, with 31 votes in favor and 57 against.

Maddy summarySB 2365 amends North Dakota law to clarify fee collection for the 24/7 Sobriety Program, directly affecting offenders participating in the program and the criminal justice agencies administering it. The bill authorizes agencies to collect fees for twice-daily breath testing, urine testing, drug patch monitoring, device installation/deactivation, and daily remote alcohol monitoring. It requires courts to reimburse agencies if fees are waived, and mandates that all collected fees be used solely for program support services, equipment maintenance, or compliance - never for general state funds. The bill failed to pass in the 2025 session after committee recommendation to "do not pass."

Maddy summaryHB 1379 would create a tax deduction for North Dakota residents and businesses selling qualifying gold or silver bullion. It allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by the profit (capital gain) from selling bullion that meets specific purity standards (999 parts per 1,000). The bill defines "bullion" as refined precious metal where value depends on metal content, not form, and applies only to gains included in federal taxable income. This change would apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, if enacted. The bill failed to pass in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 appropriates $1.25 million for a study on student attendance and absenteeism in North Dakota public schools (K-12) during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill requires the superintendent of public instruction, with input from a research team, to analyze existing data, identify strategies used in high-attendance districts, and develop recommendations to address chronic absenteeism. It mandates a legislative report with findings and proposed legislation by September 1, 2026. The bill failed to pass on February 25, 2025, with 2 votes in favor and 88 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 would have established new rules for student eligibility in North Dakota high school sports and activities. It requires the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) to presume no undue influence in student recruitment and allows students to verify residency using documents like utility bills or lease agreements. The bill specifically prohibits NDHSAA from demanding proof that a parent vacated a previous home and ensures students in joint custody situations gain immediate eligibility upon enrolling in a new school district after moving. These provisions aim to simplify residency verification and prevent delays for students transitioning between school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 protects digital asset mining operations in North Dakota by preventing local governments from banning or restricting them in residential areas (if noise rules are followed) or imposing stricter rules than for other commercial businesses. It exempts blockchain-related activities - like operating nodes, mining, or developing blockchain software - from requiring a money transmitter license. The bill defines key terms such as "digital asset" (including cryptocurrencies and NFTs) and "digital asset mining" (using computers to validate blockchain transactions). These provisions directly affect miners, blockchain businesses, and local zoning authorities by creating clear regulatory boundaries for the industry.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 would establish a framework for certified chaplains in North Dakota public schools, allowing school districts to hire or volunteer certified chaplains (defined as those certified by national/state organizations or endorsed by religious groups) to provide support to students, staff, or parents. The bill requires background checks for all chaplains, prohibits individuals required to register as sex offenders from serving, and protects chaplains from liability unless actions were maliciously intended to harm. It allocates $500,000 from the state general fund for 2025-2027 to cover chaplain salaries, training, oversight, and program evaluation, with districts limited to $200,000 per school. The bill directly affects public school districts, chaplains, and students/staff seeking spiritual support, while exempting chaplains from standard education licensing requirements.

Relating to public employee fertility health benefits; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Relating to public employee fertility preservation health benefits; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

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.