Rep. LaurieBeth Hager

Maddy summaryHB 1529 adds Peace Corps volunteers to North Dakota's list of individuals eligible for resident tuition rates at state universities. Specifically, it amends the state code to include "an individual certified by the director of the Peace Corps as having served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps volunteer" under the definition of a "resident student." This change directly affects Peace Corps volunteers who wish to attend North Dakota colleges or universities at in-state tuition rates. The bill does not alter existing eligibility categories for veterans, military members, or other groups.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 amends Section 15.1-07-25.4 of the North Dakota Century Code to update school districts' rules for virtual learning programs. The bill clarifies requirements for how districts must operate and manage virtual education options, including student eligibility and instructional standards. It directly affects all public school districts in North Dakota by establishing standardized policies for virtual learning. The legislation, signed into law on March 24, 2025, replaces outdated provisions to modernize virtual education governance.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 allows North Dakota public and nonpublic schools to serve whole, two percent, and flavored pasteurized milk through bulk milk dispensers. This law overrides previous restrictions in school nutrition codes (chapters 4.1-05, 4.1-25, 4.1-26, 19-02.1, and 23-09) that previously limited milk options. School districts or approved nonpublic schools can now establish policies permitting these milk types in cafeterias. The bill directly affects school nutrition programs and student meal choices in North Dakota. It became law after the Governor signed it on March 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending North Dakota's Constitution to allow $300 million annually from the common schools trust fund for statewide school construction over 10 years ($3 billion total). It modifies how distributions are calculated, requiring annual payments based on trust fund value while adding a fixed $600 million biennial allocation (split yearly) specifically for school construction under state programs. The change would directly affect public schools by providing dedicated funding for new buildings and renovations. The amendment must be voted on by North Dakota voters in 2026 after failing to pass the legislature (15 yeas, 77 nays) in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 3005 is a North Dakota legislative resolution urging the 119th U.S. Congress to add the names of 74 U.S. Navy sailors who died when the USS Frank E. Evans collided with an Australian ship in 1969 to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It specifically requests Congress amend memorial inclusion criteria to recognize these sailors, who were on combat support missions in the South China Sea during Operation Sea Spirit. The resolution cites evidence showing the ship was engaged in combat support operations, aligning with eligibility under Title 38 of the U.S. Code. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but formally requests congressional action to honor the sailors, including two from North Dakota (Patrick Glennon and Robert Seale).

Maddy summaryHB 1215 repealed North Dakota's section 24-02-46 in the Century Code, which previously addressed the multistate highway transportation agreement. This bill directly affects state transportation agencies and officials responsible for administering interstate highway agreements. The key mechanism was simply removing the outdated code section from state law. The bill became effective after the governor signed it on March 14, 2025. As a procedural repeal, it does not create new requirements or alter existing transportation policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1108 amends North Dakota law to update rules for interstate contracts allowing mental health and substance use disorder treatment across state lines. It directly affects patients needing care outside North Dakota and healthcare providers coordinating treatment with other states. The bill establishes clearer requirements for these contracts, ensuring proper legal agreements between states to facilitate seamless patient care. The emergency declaration reflects the urgency of addressing gaps in cross-state treatment access for vulnerable populations.

Maddy summaryHB 1403 designates the third Friday in September each year as "Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day" in North Dakota. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to honor military personnel held captive or missing in action. It specifically clarifies that this designation does not mandate school or business closures, as it is a ceremonial observance, not a mandated holiday. The bill was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 requires county superintendents of schools in North Dakota to preserve all official records with educational value or that document their official actions. Upon leaving their position, they must transfer these records to their successor. The bill amends existing law to clarify and update these record-keeping duties. This directly affects county school administrators, ensuring continuity in preserving important educational and administrative documents.

Maddy summaryHB 1178 requires North Dakota school districts to create policies allowing students who are qualified voters (18+ and registered) to leave campus during school hours to vote in elections. The policy must include conditions like time limits for absence or designated voting periods. This law directly affects high school students eligible to vote, enabling them to participate in elections without missing class. The bill became effective after being signed by the Governor on March 14, 2025. It establishes a concrete requirement for school districts to facilitate student voting access.