Rep. Dwight Kiefert

Relating to a wastewater infrastructure grant program and the duties of the department of environmental quality; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to out‑of‑pocket expenses for prescription drugs; to amend and reenact section 26.1‑36.6‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to self‑insurance health care plans; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1531 appropriates $75,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Agriculture Commissioner for a study on expanding irrigation infrastructure. The study will examine economic benefits of increased irrigation in rural communities, impacts of past water projects under the Pick-Sloan Act, and differences in economic value between irrigated vs. non-irrigated land. It requires a consultant to analyze these factors and submit findings with policy recommendations to legislative leaders by July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects agricultural producers and rural communities by assessing how irrigation expansion could impact local economies.

Maddy summaryHB 1361 proposes to create a new section within chapter 12.1-41 of the North Dakota Century Code. This bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of human trafficking offenses. It directly affects human trafficking offenders by requiring a minimum prison term upon conviction, and also provides for a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 creates a new work group to serve as a liaison between child protective services and school districts. This group's purpose is to enhance communication and coordination related to child safety matters. It aims to facilitate better collaboration between these two entities regarding the well-being and safety of children within the school system.

Maddy summaryHB 1428 creates a sales tax exemption in North Dakota for sales of clothing. This exemption specifically applies to clothing sold by thrift stores operated by nonprofit corporations. The bill enacts a new subsection to section 57-39.2-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to implement this change, and it also includes an effective date for the new provision.

Relating to diagnostic breast examination and supplemental breast examination cost-sharing restrictions; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summaryHB 1530 directs North Dakota's legislative management to study the causes of special education teacher shortages and related challenges. The study will examine specific issues affecting teachers, including excessive workloads (like uneven student caseloads and lack of planning time), safety concerns (such as inadequate crisis training and equipment), paraprofessional management gaps, and uncompensated paperwork burdens. It specifically requires analysis of how these factors impact both educators and students with disabilities. The findings will be reported to the 2027 legislature, with recommendations for potential future legislation to address the identified problems. This bill does not create new laws but mandates a detailed review of systemic issues in special education staffing.

Relating to use of local jails or correctional facilities for inmates sentenced to the physical custody of the department of corrections and rehabilitation.

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.