Rep. Donna Henderson

Maddy summaryHB 1454 creates a new procedure allowing individuals to opt out of required vaccines under North Dakota law. It directly affects people subject to vaccine mandates, such as those for school enrollment or certain employment. The bill establishes a formal process for requesting exemptions from these requirements within the state's legal framework. This is a procedural change to the Century Code, not a policy shift on vaccine necessity. The summary is limited to the bill's stated mechanism as described in its title and abstract.

Relating to campaign disclosure statements; to amend and reenact sections 15.1‑09‑08, 15.1‑09‑19, and 16.1‑01‑12, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 16.1‑10‑02, section 16.1‑10‑04.1, subdivision f of subsection 8 of section 51‑28‑01, subsection 11 of section 54‑66‑01, and section 54‑66‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to campaign disclosure statements, authorized use of state property for political purposes, and inflationary adjustments for campaign finance reporting thresholds; to repeal chapter 16.1‑08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to campaign disclosure statements; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1181 proposes to amend section 1-01-34 of the North Dakota Century Code. This section specifically addresses how gendered language is used and interpreted throughout the state's official legal texts. The bill aims to modify these rules for gender usage within the North Dakota Century Code, thereby affecting how laws are written and understood across the state.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1429 updates North Dakota's laws concerning harassment and stalking. It specifically amends existing statutes to include acts committed "with a robot." This means that using a robot to harass or stalk another person would now be explicitly covered under these laws, making such actions illegal. The bill also specifies that a penalty would apply to individuals found guilty of these offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1583 would require political committees making independent expenditures (ads influencing elections without candidate involvement) to disclose the true source of funds for ads exceeding $200. It mandates detailed reporting of contributors giving over $1,000 during election periods, including their names, addresses, and contribution dates. The bill targets organizations spending on political ads, ensuring transparency about who funds election-related messaging. It also adds penalties for false political advertisements, though specific penalty amounts aren't detailed in the provided text. This bill focuses on increasing disclosure requirements for political spending, not on changing campaign finance limits.

Maddy summarySB 2278 requires a legislative study during the 2025-26 interim to examine whether state libraries (including the state library and university libraries) should be mandated to retain original versions of books when publishers update content to be more "socially progressive," "politically correct," or "inclusive." The study must analyze the feasibility of this requirement, assess how artificial intelligence affects library material retention and updates, and evaluate the impact of such updates on original texts. It does not change current library policies but aims to inform potential future legislation. The study will report findings and recommendations to the 2027 legislative assembly.

Relating to income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts and the marriage penalty credit; to repeal section 57‑38‑01.28 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the marriage penalty credit; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1134 prohibits the intentional online sharing of personally identifying information (like addresses, Social Security numbers, or phone numbers) to intimidate, harass, or frighten someone or their household or immediate family members. It defines "dissemination" as posting such information online or in public forums, and makes violations a class A misdemeanor, with harsher penalties (up to a class A felony) if the act causes bodily injury, serious harm, or death. The law applies to all electronic communications originating in or accessible within North Dakota and directly affects individuals targeted by such online harassment. Penalties increase based on the severity of harm caused, aiming to protect victims from digital intimidation campaigns.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 would have required North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study on limiting the development and release of self-spreading viruses and bacteria. The study would have examined who is involved in such work, health impacts and data on adverse effects, potential enforcement measures, and possible exceptions. It was not a law but a procedural request for analysis, intended to inform future legislation. The bill failed to pass in the March 2025 legislative session (16 yeas, 29 nays) and remains inactive. No policy changes were enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2175 requires North Dakota counties to conduct mandatory pre-election testing of voting systems at least one week before each election, using preaudited ballots to verify accuracy and detect errors. It also mandates random post-election audits in each county within six to eight days after voting, reviewing results from federal, statewide, legislative, and county contests. These audits must be performed by appointed election boards using logic and accuracy testing procedures, with results submitted to the Secretary of State for public reporting. The law directly affects county auditors, election officials, and the Secretary of State’s office, ensuring transparency in election results verification. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.