Rep. Landon Bahl

Maddy summarySB 2154 amends North Dakota's legal definition of "primary sector business" across three code sections to clarify which businesses qualify for economic development programs. It defines such businesses as certified entities (including corporations, LLCs, or tourism operations) that create "new wealth" through sales to out-of-state visitors or by offering previously unavailable products/services within the state. The bill explicitly includes tourism businesses in this definition while excluding production agriculture. These changes affect businesses seeking state economic development benefits, ensuring tourism operations that attract outside visitors qualify for program eligibility.

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 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.

Relating to designating a portion of state highway 5 in Bottineau as the LCDR Carl J. Woods Vietnam bridge; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 1290 amends North Dakota's gaming commission rules to prohibit requiring electronic pull tab games to close at the end of a quarter. Instead, it allows the commission to mandate quarterly reports for these games. The bill directly affects state gaming regulators and businesses operating electronic pull tab systems. Key provisions prevent mandatory game closures while maintaining reporting requirements to ensure transparency and compliance. This change modifies existing rules under North Dakota Century Code section 53-06.1-01.1, subsection 4.

Maddy summaryHB 1465 amends North Dakota's gaming tax code (Section 53-06.1-12) to reduce tax rates for licensed gaming organizations, such as casinos and racetracks. It lowers the top tax rate from 12% to 6% for businesses with quarterly revenue exceeding $250,000, while maintaining a 1% rate for revenue under $150,000 and a $500 flat fee plus 6% for revenue between $150,000 and $250,000. The bill directly affects gaming businesses by changing how their tax burden is calculated based on quarterly revenue. This represents a concrete policy change to reduce taxes for higher-revenue gaming operators. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass in February 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2376 amends North Dakota law to specifically authorize gaming operations on three defined parcels of land in Grand Forks County under the existing tribal-state compact with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. The bill lists precise land descriptions (south five and one-half acres, west ninety-six acres, and north fifty-eight and one-half acres of specific sections) where gaming may occur, provided the Secretary of the Interior approves under federal law. This is a technical amendment to clarify permitted locations within the existing compact, not a new policy. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 14, 2025, with 15 votes in favor and 29 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 would appropriate $3.3 million from the general fund to allow North Dakota legislators to hire temporary legislative assistants during sessions from 2025-2027. It also requires the Office of Management and Budget to analyze state agency office space in the capitol, identify excess space due to reduced in-office work, and recommend consolidation options and locations for temporary staff. The analysis must be completed and reported to legislative management by August 2026. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 12, 2025, with 29 votes in favor and 64 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 would limit annual increases in property taxes for residential homeowners in North Dakota by capping tax valuations at the average of the previous three years' values. Exceptions allow reassessment if property was previously untaxed, sold/transfered, or underwent significant improvements (not including routine maintenance or standard repairs after damage). The bill directly affects residential property owners by preventing sudden tax hikes from normal market value changes. It would take effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, and prohibits local governments from overriding these rules under home rule authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 amends North Dakota law to require state and local government employers (including agencies, departments, and political subdivisions) to grant unpaid leave to employees serving as legislators during legislative sessions or committee meetings. The bill ensures that employees returning from this leave retain their original position, seniority, pay, and benefits, and prohibits employers from terminating or discriminating against employees due to their legislative service or candidacy. It directly affects legislative members who are employed by government entities, protecting their jobs while they serve in the legislature.