Rep. Pat Heinert

Relating to prohibiting approval voting and ranked‑choice voting in elections; and to amend and reenact subsection 7 of section 11‑09.1‑05 and subsection 9 of section 40‑05.1‑06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to home rule powers in counties and cities.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 would limit annual increases in property tax valuations to 3% without voter approval, applying to all taxable properties in North Dakota regardless of ownership changes. Property owners would see their taxes capped at this 3% annual increase unless new improvements (like renovations) are made, which could temporarily exceed the limit. To raise valuations above 3%, local voters would need to approve a ballot measure at a general election, with such approvals limited to four-year periods. The bill explicitly prevents cities or counties from overriding this cap through local home rule authority. It would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Relating to virtual-currency kiosks; and to amend and reenact section 13‑09.1‑44 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to virtual-currency kiosks.

Maddy summarySB 2289 requires law enforcement officers in North Dakota to be notified when a domestic violence protection order is issued. This bill directly affects victims of domestic violence and the police officers responding to related incidents. The key provision mandates that courts must disclose these protection orders to law enforcement agencies, ensuring officers have immediate access to critical safety information during responses. This change aims to improve officer awareness and victim safety without altering the legal standards for obtaining protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends a section of North Dakota's Century Code to update the procedural requirements for publishing an abstract of an annual statement. This procedural change affects entities required to submit annual statements (such as state agencies or regulated organizations), altering how their abstracts must be published. The bill does not change the content of the annual statements themselves but revises the publication process for compliance. It is a technical update to administrative procedures, not a substantive policy change.

Relating to noncriminal marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or paraphernalia violations; to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 19‑03.1‑22.3, subdivision d of subsection 7 of section 19‑03.1‑23, subsection 9 of section 19‑03.1‑23, and subsection 4 of section 19‑03.4‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to penalties for the ingestion and possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or paraphernalia; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1098 amends North Dakota's scholarship program for students pursuing teaching careers by updating the terms under Section 15.1-21-02.10 of the North Dakota Century Code. The bill revises eligibility requirements and funding details for undergraduate students training to become teachers. It directly affects North Dakota residents enrolled in teaching-focused degree programs. The bill also declares an emergency to expedite its implementation.

Relating to operating a motor vehicle while driving privileges are suspended or revoked, the amount of statutory fees, the definition of moving violations, and entries against a driving record; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1387 amends North Dakota law to address school closures on election days when schools serve as polling places. The bill specifically targets Section 15.1-06-02 of the North Dakota Century Code. However, the provided context does not include the bill's specific provisions, mechanisms, or who it directly affects. Without additional details in the summary or abstract, a substantive policy description cannot be provided. This appears to be a procedural bill with limited public-facing detail available.

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.