Rep. Dan Johnston

Relating to specie legal tender, the taxation of specie legal tender, and United States central bank digital currencies; to amend and reenact section 41‑01‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of United States central bank digital currency.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 prohibits North Dakota state agencies, courts, and political subdivisions from adopting, implementing, or enforcing "extreme risk protection provisions" - rules or court orders that temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill explicitly bans such provisions (excluding domestic violence or mental health orders) and states that violating this prohibition is a class B felony. It also prevents state agencies from using public funds to support any related enforcement. This bill directly affects courts, law enforcement, and state agencies by blocking the implementation of "red flag" laws at the state level.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 would create a North Dakota income tax credit for parents who home-educate their children. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $10,000 per qualifying child annually (or $5,000 for married filers filing separately) for qualified educational expenses like books, tuition, computers, and software. To qualify, the child must be a dependent under 19, home-educated under North Dakota law, and the expenses must be directly related to home education. The credit would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and cannot exceed the taxpayer’s total income tax liability. This bill directly affects North Dakota parents who homeschool their children and choose to claim this tax benefit.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 amends North Dakota's definition of "dangerous weapon" to explicitly include items like switchblades, gravity knives, machetes, certain martial arts weapons (e.g., nunchaku), BB guns, and weapons expelling projectiles via air/gas. It also clarifies that the definition excludes business tools, defensive sprays (CS/CN agents), and non-projectile stun devices. The bill did not pass the legislature, failing with 39 votes in favor and 53 against on February 25, 2025. This change would directly affect individuals possessing these specific items, altering how they are classified under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1609 would create an alternative path to take the North Dakota bar exam, allowing applicants without a law degree to qualify by completing 2,000 hours of supervised legal work under a licensed attorney or tribal advocate over five years, plus holding a four-year college degree. The program requires supervising attorneys to verify hours through written affidavits, and applicants could also qualify by serving as a state legislator for four or more years. This would directly affect aspiring lawyers seeking bar admission without traditional law school credentials. The bill, which failed to pass in February 2025, aims to expand access to legal licensure through practical experience.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 proposes a one-time $5 million appropriation from North Dakota's strategic investment fund to create a natural gas infrastructure grant program administered by the Industrial Commission. The program would provide grants exclusively to cities with populations under 10,000 for installing natural gas pipelines and related infrastructure. Funds are limited to the 2025-2027 biennium and cannot be used for other purposes, with the Industrial Commission responsible for setting eligibility rules and maximum grant amounts. The bill does not affect individuals or larger municipalities outside the specified population threshold.

Maddy summaryHB 1245 amends North Dakota's election offense laws to clarify and strengthen penalties for various voting and petition-related violations. It specifically prohibits paying individuals based on the number of signatures collected for election petitions (like initiatives or referendums), while allowing standard salaries not tied to signature counts. The bill also defines new offenses, such as signing petitions with false names, submitting petitions with fraudulent signatures, and obstructing voters at polling places. Violations can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, or felony convictions, with organizations facing business license revocation. This directly affects voters, election officials, petition circulators, and political organizations involved in ballot measure campaigns.

Maddy summarySB 2392 would prohibit public colleges and universities in North Dakota from requiring certain "prohibited submissions" (like mandatory statements about personal identity characteristics) or "prohibited training" (such as mandatory diversity workshops) as conditions for employment, admission, graduation, or state financial aid. The bill defines prohibited practices as those promoting differential treatment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal identity characteristics, including policies labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI). Exceptions apply for requirements under federal law, and institutions must report any federal-mandated submissions to the state board of higher education. The law would take effect in 2026, with the board conducting biennial compliance reviews.

Relating to prohibiting a political subdivision from seizing personal property without notice; to amend and reenact section 12.1‑23‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to theft of property; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 defines "interest" in North Dakota court cases to include both legal and equitable claims, requiring courts to interpret it broadly. It specifies that an "interested party" in any civil or criminal case includes anyone whose property, rights, or benefits may be affected by a court decision. The bill establishes a clear standard for who can participate in legal proceedings based on their stake in the outcome. As a procedural definition bill, it does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups, but rather clarifies court eligibility standards. The bill failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature in February 2025.