Rep. Nico Rios

Maddy summaryHCR 3020 is a symbolic resolution urging North Dakota to formally acknowledge "the Kingship of Jesus Christ" based on religious references in the bill text. It does not create new laws, policies, or requirements; instead, it requests the state adopt this religious acknowledgment. The resolution would have required the Secretary of State to forward copies to the Governor, President, and congressional delegation. The bill failed to pass the legislature on February 18, 2025, with 31 votes in favor and 59 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1493 is a procedural bill that seeks to repeal North Dakota's Section 54-60-31 of the Century Code, which established the "office of legal immigration." The bill does not create new policy but would eliminate the legal framework for this specific office. It was introduced in January 2025, referred to a committee, and ultimately failed to pass on February 18, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 67 against. This repeal would directly affect the existence of the office of legal immigration, which was created under the repealed section.

Maddy summaryHB 1301 would require North Dakota courts to explicitly prohibit probationers from possessing firearms, destructive devices, or dangerous weapons as a standard condition of probation, except for specific first-time misdemeanor offenses under certain sections (like minor traffic violations or low-level drug offenses) if the court makes a documented finding of "good cause" to waive the ban. It also adds new probation conditions like community service, electronic monitoring, and strict rules against failing urine tests, while prohibiting firearm bans for most other misdemeanors. The bill applies to all probation sentences imposed after its effective date. This would directly affect individuals on probation for most crimes, limiting their access to firearms unless specific legal exceptions apply.

Relating to the prohibition against using voting systems in certain elections; and to amend and reenact sections 16.1‑06‑12, 16.1‑06‑14, and 16.1‑06‑15 and subsection 1 of section 16.1‑06‑26 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to election security and validation.

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 summaryHCR 3026 is a symbolic resolution passed by the North Dakota legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to pursue diplomatic talks for Greenland’s peaceful annexation as a U.S. territory. It cites Greenland’s strategic Arctic location, natural resources, and existing U.S.-Greenland cooperation (like Thule Air Base) as justification, though Greenland is currently an autonomous territory within Denmark. The resolution requests diplomatic engagement with Greenland and Denmark to explore voluntary integration while respecting Greenlandic rights. It failed to advance in the North Dakota Senate (36-54 vote against adoption) and has no legal effect, as it is a non-binding request for federal action.

Maddy summaryHB 1210 creates a new legal process for property owners within 25 miles of a carbon dioxide pipeline leak to seek compensation. It grants affected residents or landowners a "lien" against the pipeline owner for damages caused by leaks, including both current and future costs. To enforce this, victims must file a verified claim within one year, and the lien attaches only to the pipeline itself. The bill also requires pipeline owners in bankruptcy to hold trust funds for future victims. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1573 would impose a $5 per ton tax on substances transported via pipelines longer than 25 miles (after July 31, 2025) for permanent underground storage in North Dakota. This tax applies to pipeline operators transporting materials for underground storage, requiring monthly reporting and payments to the state tax commissioner. Revenue collected would first fund the North Dakota Disaster Fund (up to $500 million), which can only cover pipeline-related emergency costs, specialized equipment, or training for pipeline hazards. Any excess revenue would go to the state general fund. The bill, which failed to pass in committee (23-61), aims to create a dedicated funding source for pipeline incident response.

Relating to the definition of human being and person as the terms relate to the offenses of murder and assault, and civil actions for death caused by wrongful acts.

Maddy summaryHB 1521 would exempt enrolled members of federally recognized North Dakota tribes residing on tribal reservations from the state's motor vehicle excise tax. To qualify, individuals must provide proof of tribal enrollment and live within reservation boundaries (primary residence on reservation is required). The exemption applies retroactively to vehicle purchases after June 30, 2023, and the bill declares an emergency. This change directly affects tribal members living on reservations by removing a state tax on their vehicles.