Rep. Kathy Frelich

Maddy summaryHB 1213 establishes a new "Jail Improvement Revolving Loan Fund" administered by the Bank of North Dakota to provide low-interest loans for jail infrastructure projects. It directly affects counties and regional correctional authorities, enabling them to apply for loans (up to $40 million at 2% interest over 30 years) to renovate, expand, or replace aging jail facilities meeting specific cost and capacity criteria. The bill creates a committee to review applications based on factors like inmate occupancy, structure age, and community support, and mandates a $200 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to seed the new loan program for the 2025-2027 biennium. The fund operates as a revolving loan program, with principal and interest repayments replenishing the fund for future projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1430 would amend North Dakota's social work regulations to allow licensed social workers to offer counseling aligned with heterosexuality or a client's biological sex without violating ethics rules. It directly affects licensed social workers in North Dakota who provide counseling to individuals questioning their sexuality or gender identity. The bill requires social workers to disclose the nature of such treatment and obtain written consent from the client or their parent/guardian before proceeding. This legislation, which failed to pass in March 2025, focuses on defining ethical boundaries for specific counseling approaches under professional regulation.

Relating to ownership of accounting firms by qualified plans; and to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 10-31-04 and subsection 3 of section 43‑02.2‑06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to minority ownership of an accounting firm.

Maddy summaryHB 1154 extends a moratorium on adding new basic care and nursing facility bed capacity in North Dakota from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2029. It prohibits new licenses for basic care beds unless facilities convert existing beds, demonstrate high demand (90% occupancy within 50 miles for 12 months), or receive department approval. The bill also restricts nursing facilities from changing bed configurations more than twice annually, except for specific conversions or relicensing after July 31, 2011. This law directly affects nursing homes and care facilities seeking to expand or reconfigure bed capacity across the state.

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 summaryHB 1097 mandates a legislative study during the 2025-26 interim to examine accessibility of state and local government services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing differences. The study must assess communication barriers, review federal ADA requirements for government entities, and gather input from affected individuals, agencies, interpreters, and other stakeholders. It requires the legislative management to report findings and proposed legislation to the 70th Legislative Assembly. This bill directly affects deaf and hard of hearing North Dakotans by focusing on improving their access to government services. As a procedural study bill, it does not enact new policy but sets the stage for future legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 2223 creates North Dakota's adoption of the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling licensed dietitians from participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work in multiple states and healthcare facilities serving patients in those states. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" that functions like a license in other member states, while requiring uniform education and examination standards and allowing states to share disciplinary information. The compact aims to increase patient access to dietetic services, reduce administrative burdens for professionals and states, and maintain each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public health and safety.

Relating to a requirement for public school students to have the opportunity to recite the pledge of allegiance each morning and immunity for liability stemming from the recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

Maddy summaryHB 1192 lowers the maximum value for primary prizes awarded by permitted organizations (like charities running raffles or bingo) in North Dakota from $15,000 to $8,000 per event, and reduces the annual total prize limit from $50,000 to $40,000. The bill specifically affects public-spirited organizations seeking gaming permits, requiring them to disclose how they'll use net income from these activities. It exempts raffles conducted under Chapter 20.1-08 from these limits. The law, signed by the governor in March 2025, directly changes financial parameters for nonprofit gaming operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1148 designates May as Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation on May 1st. The proclamation honors both current and former U.S. military personnel for their service and sacrifices in defending the nation. This law directly affects state recognition practices and the governor's annual ceremonial duties, without altering military benefits or policies. It establishes a formal, yearly observance to acknowledge military contributions within North Dakota.