Rep. Ben Koppelman

Maddy summaryHB 1585 requires North Dakota peace officers (such as police and sheriffs) to report individuals they reasonably believe are in the U.S. illegally to U.S. immigration authorities. Officers must use a designated tip line or online form as soon as possible after forming this belief. Violating this requirement would be classified as an infraction, not a criminal offense. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 7, 2025.

Relating to state education funding for all students in the state; to amend and reenact sections 15.1‑27‑02 and 57‑15‑01.1, subsection 1 of section 57‑15‑14, section 57‑15‑14.2, and subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 57‑20‑07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to required reports, school district levy authority, and information displayed on property tax statements; to repeal sections 15.1‑27‑04.1, 15.1‑27‑04.2, 15.1‑27‑04.3, 15.1‑27‑15.1, 15.1‑27‑20.2, and 15.1‑29‑15 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to adjustments to state aid payments and a property tax levy for tuition payments; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1273 would prohibit North Dakota cities, counties, and the state from adopting policies, orders, or ordinances that restrict individual speech - including those related to hate crimes. The bill states that any such local policy would be invalid and cannot be overridden by city or county home rule charters. It directly affects municipal governments and local regulations by blocking restrictions on speech at the community level. The law would take effect if passed, making speech-limiting local rules unenforceable.

Maddy summaryHB 1359 would prohibit insurance companies from favoring specific auto repair shops by recommending, giving incentives to, or communicating preferentially with them. It requires insurers to allow insured drivers to submit independent repair estimates from their chosen shops if they disagree with the insurer's damage assessment offer. The bill directly affects insured drivers seeking repairs and insurance companies handling claims. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on January 30, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 71 against.

Relating to the implementation of operational guidelines and training for law enforcement officers and state's attorneys addressing the crimes of human trafficking, prostitution, and the commercial exploitation of children.

Maddy summaryHB 1406 would require state agencies and the judiciary to wait until after the first legislative filing deadline to submit bills to the North Dakota legislature. Specifically, it mandates that executive branch agencies and the judicial branch cannot introduce bills before the deadline set for legislators to file their own proposals, with the legislative council notifying them of this December deadline each even-numbered year. This bill directly affects state agencies and courts by changing the timing for when they can propose new legislation. It is a procedural rule change with no direct impact on citizens or policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1243 would require insurers to let vehicle owners choose whether to keep their car after it’s deemed a total loss (where repair costs exceed value) or let the insurer take it. The bill also prohibits insurers from charging owners extra fees to return the vehicle following a total loss determination. This directly affects North Dakota drivers with insurance policies covering physical damage who experience a total-loss accident. The bill aims to simplify ownership options and eliminate unexpected costs for policyholders in these situations.

Maddy summarySB 2178 amends North Dakota's election laws to update how voter data is stored and accessed. It specifies that the central voter file must include personal details like name, address, voting history, and driver's license numbers, while restricting access to certain data fields for political candidates and parties. The bill clarifies that only designated voter information (such as address and election preferences) can be used for election-related purposes, and "secured active" voter records remain private. It also standardizes absentee ballot application requirements for primary elections. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for voter file management.

Maddy summaryHB 1159 would require vendors selling digital event tickets (like for concerts or sports games) to provide a free physical copy upon customer request, with vendors allowed to charge up to $10 for shipping and handling. It directly affects businesses selling digital tickets and customers who prefer physical copies. The bill creates a new law in North Dakota's Century Code mandating this service without cost to the customer beyond reasonable shipping fees. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but failed to pass the legislature on January 22, 2025, with 67 votes against and 27 in favor.

Maddy summaryHB 1320 would prohibit creating or distributing AI-altered videos or images that falsely depict someone without their consent, with the intent to deceive. This applies to anyone sharing such "deepfake" content, including on social media or other platforms. Violations would be classified as a class A misdemeanor, potentially resulting in fines or jail time. The law specifically targets deceptive digital content meant to harm reputations or spread misinformation.