Rep. Todd Porter

Maddy summarySB 2340 requires North Dakota's legislature to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim on evolving fire service needs. The study will examine regional response teams, coordination of state resources, staffing, training, and funding alternatives to reduce reliance on local property taxes. It mandates consultation with fire departments, the fire marshal, and other stakeholders to identify policy changes needed for a unified fire service system. This procedural bill does not enact new law but aims to inform future legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 2159 is a North Dakota bill that amends section 15-11-40 of the Century Code, focusing on the State Energy Research Center. The bill modifies the types of projects this state center is permitted to pursue. While the specific changes to the project scope are not detailed in this abstract, the legislation directly affects the center's operational mandate by updating the range of research and development activities it can undertake.

Maddy summaryHB 1470 amends North Dakota laws related to outdoor recreational activities. The bill modifies fees associated with hunting, fishing, and gun dog activities. Additionally, it revises the licensing requirements for individuals who operate as hunting guides and outfitters in the state. These changes directly affect residents and non-residents participating in these activities and those employed as professional guides or outfitters.

Maddy summaryHB 1419 proposes amendments to various sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Public Safety Retirement Plan. These changes directly affect public employees who are part of this specific retirement plan. However, the provided information does not detail the specific mechanisms or provisions being altered within the plan.

Maddy summaryHB 1468 appropriates $16 million from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for grants supporting behavioral health facilities. It requires grantees to increase inpatient behavioral health beds by 30 in the west central region and operate facilities for at least 10 years, with repayment required if they fail to meet this term. Grant funds are disbursed only after infrastructure is complete and staffing plans are approved. The bill directly affects entities building or expanding behavioral health facilities in the specified region.

Maddy summaryHB 1341 is a legislative bill that amends section 12.1-17-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the offense of simple assault. The bill modifies the existing law related to simple assault and includes provisions to adjust the associated penalty. This legislation directly affects individuals involved in cases of simple assault and the legal framework that governs such offenses in North Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1274 proposes amendments to several sections of the North Dakota Century Code. These changes specifically relate to the membership rules for the public safety retirement plan within the state's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The bill aims to modify who qualifies for or is included in this retirement plan for public safety employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1258 amends a section of the North Dakota Century Code related to the siting of energy conversion and transmission facilities. This bill modifies the rules and processes for approving where facilities like power plants or major transmission lines can be built. It affects energy companies seeking to develop projects and the state's regulatory body responsible for their approval. A key provision states that these changes will apply retroactively, meaning they could impact projects already in progress or previously considered under older rules.

Maddy summarySB 2143 amends North Dakota law concerning the funding of the state energy research center fund. This bill establishes a continuing appropriation, ensuring that revenue will be automatically deposited into the fund without needing annual legislative approval. The measure aims to provide a consistent financial basis for the state's energy research efforts. However, this continuing appropriation is set to expire on a specific date.

Maddy summarySB 2216 creates new sections within the North Dakota Century Code focusing on waterfowl habitat. The bill addresses provisions related to fees for a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp. These collected fees are then designated for the waterfowl habitat improvement fund, which supports efforts to enhance and restore habitats for waterfowl.