Rep. Jonathan Warrey

Maddy summaryHB 1198 allows North Dakota park districts to join group purchasing agreements with the state or other local governments through a formal joint powers agreement. Specifically, it authorizes park district boards to participate in these cooperative buying arrangements, which can help reduce costs for shared goods and services. The bill does not apply to construction projects defined under state law. This change directly affects park districts by expanding their purchasing options under existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 1267 amends North Dakota's optometry licensure laws to clarify the scope of practice for optometrists. It explicitly defines "optometric services" to include prescribing certain eye-related medications (like diagnostic dyes and topical treatments) while prohibiting laser therapy and surgery except for removing superficial foreign bodies. The bill also establishes requirements for telemedicine providers ("distant site providers") to hold an active state license and defines key terms like "diagnosis and treatment" to ensure consistency. These changes directly affect optometrists, their practices, and the state licensing board, updating administrative rules and fee structures for licensure.

Maddy summarySB 2163 raises the reporting threshold for contractors in North Dakota from $25,000 to $50,000 per project. It requires contractors completing projects over $50,000 in the previous year to submit detailed project listings, insurance certificates, and proof of paid payroll taxes when renewing their licenses. The bill directly affects licensed contractors performing large-scale projects within the state, shifting reporting obligations to fewer businesses. Key provisions include mandatory project documentation, insurance verification, and tax compliance checks during license renewal. This change simplifies reporting for smaller contractors while maintaining oversight for larger projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1161 creates a state-funded pool to cover salaries for vacant full-time staff positions at North Dakota's public colleges and universities. Institutions must transfer unused funding for vacant positions (as of December 1 of the prior even year) to a central pool annually. Institutions can then request allocations from this pool to fill vacancies or hire temporary staff, but only if they prove no other federal or external funds are available. The bill requires the state board to report on vacancy rates, fund usage, and savings from unfilled positions.

Maddy summarySB 2310 adjusts fee requirements and minimum judgment thresholds for garnishment proceedings in North Dakota. It sets a $25-$40 fee for service on state entities (like the Office of Management and Budget) and requires plaintiffs to pay this fee when serving garnishee summons. The bill also prohibits judgments under $25-$40 against garnishees, requiring their discharge if the underlying judgment is below this amount. These changes directly affect creditors, debtors, and state agencies involved in garnishment cases.

Relating to information required in applications for professional employer services licensure, confidential records maintained by the secretary of state, notification provided to and fees charged by a notary public, notification provided to the registrant of a trade name, and fees charged by the secretary of state; and to provide a penalty.

Relating to a legacy fund school construction assistance loan fund; to amend and reenact section 21‑10‑11, relating to the legacy and budget stabilization fund advisory board; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

Relating to the North Dakota insurance incentive program; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06 and subsection 3 of section 26.1‑01‑07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the insurance incentive fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 protects digital asset mining operations in North Dakota by preventing local governments from banning or restricting them in residential areas (if noise rules are followed) or imposing stricter rules than for other commercial businesses. It exempts blockchain-related activities - like operating nodes, mining, or developing blockchain software - from requiring a money transmitter license. The bill defines key terms such as "digital asset" (including cryptocurrencies and NFTs) and "digital asset mining" (using computers to validate blockchain transactions). These provisions directly affect miners, blockchain businesses, and local zoning authorities by creating clear regulatory boundaries for the industry.

Relating to public employee fertility preservation health benefits; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.