Rep. Steve Vetter

Maddy summarySB 2215 would require executive branch agencies and the judicial branch in North Dakota to obtain a specific request from legislative leadership before introducing a bill. The bill would prevent these branches from submitting proposed legislation directly to the legislature without such a prior request. This change would affect how state agencies and courts propose new laws, shifting the process to require legislative approval before drafting. The bill failed to pass in the legislature during its 2025 session, with 19 votes in favor and 28 against. It is a procedural rule change, not a substantive policy.

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.

Relating to parental rights and responsibilities, equal residential responsibility, and the presumption of fitness; to amend and reenact sections 14‑09‑00.1, 14‑09‑06.2, and 14‑09‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of equal decisionmaking responsibility and equal parenting time, the best interests of the child factors, and the residence of a child; and to provide for application.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 updates North Dakota's special registration for farm and forestry vehicles by clarifying definitions and revising fee structures. It defines "farm vehicles" as trucks/trailers under 105,500 lbs used exclusively for farm operations (not commercial business) and creates a separate "forestry vehicle" category for forestry-related work. The bill establishes a tiered fee schedule based on vehicle weight and years registered, with lower rates for qualifying vehicles compared to commercial rates. This directly affects North Dakota farmers and forestry business owners who register eligible heavy-duty vehicles for non-commercial farm or forestry use.

Maddy summaryHB 1287 proposes new rules for voter registration in North Dakota, directly affecting all eligible voters and election officials. It expands registration opportunities by allowing mail-in registration (except 30 days before elections), in-person registration at county auditor offices, and registration when applying for or renewing a driver's license, changing address on a license, or accessing public assistance. The bill requires registration forms to include basic personal details (name, address, date of birth) but prohibits noting political party affiliation. It also establishes permanent registration once completed, with the secretary of state setting standard forms and procedures for the central voter file.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 would establish a legal presumption that shared parenting (joint decisionmaking on major issues like education and health, plus approximately equal time with each parent) serves children's best interests in custody cases. This presumption applies unless a court finds specific exceptions, such as evidence of child harm, domestic violence involving serious injury or weapons, or sexual abuse. The bill requires courts to document specific reasons when overriding this presumption and mandates supervised parenting time for abusive parents in domestic violence cases. It directly affects parents in custody disputes and North Dakota courts handling parental rights decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1335 would adjust North Dakota's homestead tax credit to lower the eligibility age from 65 to 62 for seniors, while updating income thresholds. It would provide a full tax reduction (up to $9,000) for qualifying residents aged 62+ or permanently disabled with income under $70,000, and a partial reduction (up to $4,500) for those earning $70,000-$100,000. The bill requires applicants to submit a verified income statement, with the exemption applying to primary residences but not special assessments. It would take effect for property taxes starting in 2025. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but failed to pass the legislature in February 2025.

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 1321 amends North Dakota's medical marijuana laws to adjust possession and purchase limits for registered patients and caregivers. It increases the standard monthly purchase limit from 2.5 ounces to 3 ounces (85.05 grams) of smokable cannabis and raises the maximum possession limit from 3 ounces to 4.5 ounces (127.57 grams), with higher "enhanced" limits of 9 ounces (255.15 grams) for patients with cancer-related conditions. The bill also updates registry identification cards to include designations for enhanced limits and requires THC concentration limits of 9,000 milligrams per month for all products. Additionally, it modifies renewal fees for compassion centers, capping them at $90,000 for dispensaries and $110,000 for manufacturing facilities.