Maddy summaryHB 1301 would require North Dakota courts to explicitly prohibit probationers from possessing firearms, destructive devices, or dangerous weapons as a standard condition of probation, except for specific first-time misdemeanor offenses under certain sections (like minor traffic violations or low-level drug offenses) if the court makes a documented finding of "good cause" to waive the ban. It also adds new probation conditions like community service, electronic monitoring, and strict rules against failing urine tests, while prohibiting firearm bans for most other misdemeanors. The bill applies to all probation sentences imposed after its effective date. This would directly affect individuals on probation for most crimes, limiting their access to firearms unless specific legal exceptions apply.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1544 amends North Dakota's drainage permit requirements to clarify rules for landowners installing drainage systems. It requires permits for draining water bodies with 80+ acres of watershed or smaller systems affecting downstream property, involving investigations to prevent flooding damage and flowage easements if needed. For smaller subsurface drainage systems (under 80 acres), landowners must notify downstream neighbors and water districts 60 days in advance, follow specific installation rules (like erosion controls), and may need full permits if objections are raised. The bill directly affects agricultural landowners installing drainage systems, with provisions applying only to land used for crops or grazing. It does not cover systems discharging into fully owned water bodies.
Maddy summarySB 2303 would create an education savings account program in North Dakota, using state funds to help eligible families pay for approved educational expenses. Eligible students include K-12 residents who qualify for public school, with funds deposited by the Bank of North Dakota (80% of per-pupil funding). Parents would receive these funds for approved expenses like tuition at participating private schools, approved tutoring, textbooks, college costs, or educational technology, but must agree not to enroll children in public schools. The program requires participating schools to meet safety and nondiscrimination standards, and unused funds carry forward annually.
Maddy summaryHB 1573 would impose a $5 per ton tax on substances transported via pipelines longer than 25 miles (after July 31, 2025) for permanent underground storage in North Dakota. This tax applies to pipeline operators transporting materials for underground storage, requiring monthly reporting and payments to the state tax commissioner. Revenue collected would first fund the North Dakota Disaster Fund (up to $500 million), which can only cover pipeline-related emergency costs, specialized equipment, or training for pipeline hazards. Any excess revenue would go to the state general fund. The bill, which failed to pass in committee (23-61), aims to create a dedicated funding source for pipeline incident response.
Relating to the statewide property tax levy of one mill for support of the state medical center at the University of North Dakota; and to provide an effective date.
Maddy summaryHB 1353 would limit how much property taxes can increase annually for North Dakota taxing districts (like cities, counties, and school districts) without voter approval. It caps annual increases at either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with specific exceptions for new taxable property, changes in exemptions, or existing debt payments. Taxing districts could carry forward unused increases for up to three years but must seek voter approval (60%+ vote) for any increase exceeding the cap. The bill would apply to all taxing districts except for certain bonded debt payments, state medical center levies, and specific conservation district taxes.
Relating to the determination of state school aid, the primary residence credit, and removal of the homestead and disabled veterans' credit; to repeal sections 57‑02‑08.1, 57‑02‑08.2, and 57‑02‑08.8 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the homestead credit and disabled veterans' credit; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Relating to the priority of liens; to amend and reenact sections 47‑18‑01, 47‑18‑04, 47‑18‑18, and 57‑28‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the homestead exemption, declaration of a homestead, and the contents of a tax lien.
Maddy summaryHB 1349 proposes capping noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in North Dakota health care malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 initially, with scheduled annual increases to $1.5 million (2026), $2 million (2027), and $2.5 million (2028). It directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and healthcare providers facing such lawsuits, while exempting claims involving unborn fetuses. The bill requires courts to reduce jury awards to meet the cap without informing juries of the limit. The legislation failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on February 7, 2025, with 30 votes in favor and 61 against.
Relating to the amount of statutory fees; to amend and reenact sections 39‑04‑08 and 39‑04‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to number plates; and to provide a penalty.