Rep. Jared Hagert

Maddy summaryHB 1158 creates a new exemption for petition records held by North Dakota's Secretary of State. It makes records related to petitions for initiatives or referendums confidential until the Secretary either approves the petition's sufficiency under state law or 35 days pass after receiving the records. This directly affects petitioners and the Secretary of State's office by delaying public access to these documents during the initial review period. The law changes transparency rules but does not alter how petitions are submitted or processed.

Relating to an animal agriculture facility infrastructure fund; to amend and reenact subsection 9 of section 11‑23‑02 and section 57‑39.2‑26 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to county budget limits and the allocation of sales tax revenue; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 2136 amends North Dakota laws (sections 5-04-02 and 5-04-14 of the Century Code) to regulate relationships between brewers and beer wholesalers. It prohibits brewers from: forcing wholesalers to accept unrequested products, threatening to cancel agreements to compel illegal actions, restricting wholesalers' ability to sell competing brands (unless quality/sales are materially harmed), demanding confidential financial data, failing to provide written contracts, or mandating specific e-commerce platforms. The bill also requires new brewer owners to honor existing agreements with wholesalers, unless "good cause" exists under state law. This directly affects brewers and beer wholesalers operating in North Dakota by establishing clearer, more transparent business terms.

Maddy summaryHB 1598 prohibits most hunters from using motor vehicles off established roads or trails while hunting big game or small game (excluding waterfowl and cranes), directly affecting non-landowner hunters without written permission from landowners or active farmers/ranchers. The law bans driving through cropland, timber, or other terrain to hunt, but allows vehicle use only to retrieve a killed animal after reducing it to possession. It also prohibits using vehicles to harass or flush game and permits parking on roadsides for safety. The bill takes effect after being signed by the governor in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 amends the definitions section of North Dakota law related to the Dry Pea and Lentil Council. It updates specific terminology used within the council's regulatory framework but does not introduce new policies or affect other groups. The bill focuses solely on clarifying or revising existing definitions for the council's operational purposes. As a definitional amendment, it has no direct impact on farmers, businesses, or the public beyond the council's internal use of terms. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 amends North Dakota's agriculture infrastructure grant program to specifically fund road and bridge improvements needed for value-added agriculture businesses. It directs the agriculture commissioner (with transportation department input) to award grants to counties, cities, and townships for projects like corridor upgrades on local roads or access road/bridge repairs serving these businesses. The bill directly affects local governments managing infrastructure and businesses processing agricultural products (like food manufacturing or packaging). Key provisions require grants to target infrastructure directly supporting value-added agriculture operations, not general road maintenance. This law, signed by the governor on March 24, 2025, clarifies and expands the program's focus.

Relating to a requirement for public school students to have the opportunity to recite the pledge of allegiance each morning and immunity for liability stemming from the recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

Maddy summaryNorth Dakota's legislature passed HCR 3015, a concurrent resolution urging grid operators Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to fix market rules causing reliable power plants to retire faster than replacements are built. The resolution argues current pricing fails to value steady, dispatchable energy sources needed for grid reliability, especially as weather-dependent generation grows and retirement rates accelerate. It specifically asks SPP and MISO to reform how they pay for power to ensure resources that maintain grid stability during peak demand or extreme weather remain economically viable. This resolution directly affects North Dakota residents and businesses dependent on consistent electricity service, as SPP and MISO manage the regional grid serving the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2153) clarifies the definition of "Project" in North Dakota law to specifically include water conveyance projects and related infrastructure works that are physically connected or jointly managed. It amends the Century Code to define "Project" as a single unit combining water conveyance systems or works listed under subsection 1011. The change is purely definitional, ensuring consistent terminology for water infrastructure projects across state law. It does not create new projects, alter funding, or directly affect specific communities or entities. This procedural update streamlines how such water systems are legally categorized.

Maddy summarySB 2141 amends North Dakota law to allow water permit holders to change the purpose of their permit (e.g., from agriculture to livestock or recreation) without losing their original water rights priority date, provided the Department of Water Resources approves the change. The bill requires applications to be processed like new conditional permits and restricts changes to two scenarios: shifting to a higher-priority water use or converting to livestock, fish, wildlife, or recreational use in a reservoir with no water withdrawal. This directly affects agricultural and water users who hold existing permits seeking to repurpose their water rights. The law aims to provide flexibility while protecting other water users' rights through departmental review.