Rep. Ben Koppelman

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.

Maddy summarySB 2258 requires North Dakota state agencies to always cite the specific law or rule authorizing their enforcement actions (like notices or orders). If an agency exceeds its legal authority or loses a court challenge, it must report the issue to the Governor's office. The Governor's office must investigate reports of violations, maintain records, and issue an annual report to the legislative committee detailing agencies involved. This bill directly affects all state agencies enforcing rules, adding transparency and accountability to their enforcement processes.

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 1327 allows North Dakota vehicle owners with active federal amateur radio licenses to replace standard license plates with special plates displaying their FCC-assigned call letters and "AMATEUR RADIO." Applicants can receive up to five plates with the same call letters, each labeled with an additional number (2-5). To qualify, owners must provide proof of their valid amateur radio license, comply with standard vehicle registration requirements, and pay the regular registration fee. This bill directly affects licensed amateur radio operators who register vehicles in North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2163 raises the reporting threshold for contractors in North Dakota from $25,000 to $50,000 per project. It requires contractors completing projects over $50,000 in the previous year to submit detailed project listings, insurance certificates, and proof of paid payroll taxes when renewing their licenses. The bill directly affects licensed contractors performing large-scale projects within the state, shifting reporting obligations to fewer businesses. Key provisions include mandatory project documentation, insurance verification, and tax compliance checks during license renewal. This change simplifies reporting for smaller contractors while maintaining oversight for larger projects.

Maddy summarySCR 4024 is a concurrent resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study using existing funds from the Capitol building fund to construct a new legislative office building. It addresses current facility issues including inadequate meeting spaces, unsafe parking conditions, and the lack of dedicated work areas for legislators and staff. The resolution specifies the study should examine building a legislative office building on Capitol grounds, potentially incorporating modern committee rooms and office space, while utilizing the fund's remaining balance (over $5 million) that has been partially used for other purposes. This resolution does not authorize construction but requires Legislative Management to report findings and any needed legislation to the next legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 1253 amends North Dakota law to clarify the attorney general's authority to impose fines for gaming violations. It directly affects licensed gaming organizations (including charities operating as agents), distributors, manufacturers, and authorized site owners who fail to comply with gaming rules. The bill establishes specific fine tiers: minimum $25 (up to 2% of quarterly revenue) for organizations, $100 for distributors, $500 for manufacturers, and $250 for site owners, with fines potentially replacing license suspensions or revocations. These provisions create clear, structured penalties instead of vague prior language.

Maddy summarySB 2371 amends North Dakota's traffic code to clarify rules for vehicles using rotary traffic islands (roundabouts). The bill requires drivers to travel only to the right of a rotary island and mandates giving a signal before exiting the island. These changes directly affect all drivers navigating rotary traffic islands on North Dakota roadways, ensuring consistent and safe movement through these intersections. The law standardizes existing practices without creating new restrictions or exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1471 requires dental benefit plans in North Dakota to offer payment methods other than credit cards to dentists, preventing plans from requiring credit card payments only. It mandates that plans notify dentists about any fees for specific payment methods, explain available options, and provide clear instructions for selecting fee-free alternatives. The bill also prohibits charging transmission fees for electronic payments unless the dentist consents, and restricts plans from sharing credit card company profits to cover claim payments. This directly affects dental benefit plans, their vendors, and health maintenance organizations when paying dentists in North Dakota.

Maddy summaryHCR 3019 is a ceremonial resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature to formally congratulate Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as U.S. President. It directly affects President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and North Dakota's congressional delegation, as the resolution will be delivered to them. The resolution expresses the legislature's support for Trump's leadership, border policies, and conservative principles, citing his election victory and survival of assassination attempts. It has no policy impact beyond this symbolic gesture of recognition.