Rep. Todd Porter

Maddy summaryHB 1153 clarifies what counts as "excavation" under North Dakota's one-call notice system, specifically adding detailed exclusions to the definition. It exempts certain activities from requiring the notice, including most agricultural work (like plowing under 18 inches deep), cemetery grave openings, and routine road maintenance (like gravel road repairs not involving ditches). This directly affects construction crews, utility workers, farmers, and landscapers who perform ground-disturbing work but fall under these exemptions. The bill changes compliance requirements by removing the need for one-call notices for these specific, low-risk activities.

Maddy summaryHCR 3008 designates Chuck Suchy as North Dakota's first state troubadour for a five-year term, recognizing his decades of work as a folk musician preserving the state's musical heritage. The resolution honors his contributions to celebrating North Dakota's agricultural roots, Native American heritage, and natural beauty through song. This is a ceremonial honor with no legal effect - it does not create new laws, alter regulations, or impact any individuals or groups beyond the symbolic recognition of Suchy's cultural work. The title follows North Dakota's tradition of honoring arts contributors, and the resolution expresses legislative appreciation for his role in advancing the state's cultural identity.

Maddy summaryHB 1412 modifies North Dakota's deer lottery license process by requiring that unsuccessful applicants be given the option to donate their refundable license fee to the private land open to sportsmen program. This donation would be added to the "game and fish private land habitat and access improvement fund," specifically funding habitat and access projects for the program. The bill directly affects deer lottery applicants who do not win a license, providing them a new choice regarding their refund fee. The change streamlines how these funds are directed toward improving public access to private lands for hunting and fishing activities.

Relating to a requirement for public school students to have the opportunity to recite the pledge of allegiance each morning and immunity for liability stemming from the recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

Maddy summaryHCR 3017 is a symbolic resolution designating December 6th as "Miner's Day" in North Dakota to honor coal miners. It recognizes coal miners' contributions to providing reliable, affordable energy (supplying 55% of the state's electricity) and supporting the economy ($5.5 billion in business activity, 12,000 jobs). The resolution urges the federal government to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding and revise regulations it claims disadvantage coal, while promoting carbon capture and coal-based technologies. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal effect, solely intended to publicly acknowledge coal miners' work and advocate for federal policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 3007 is a North Dakota legislative resolution urging Congress to recognize U.S. military personnel who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. It specifically requests Congress issue an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (or similar recognition) for service in a hostile area during that period. The resolution directly affects veterans who served in Honduras during the 1980s and early 1990s, acknowledging their deployment in a region involving combat support and casualties. The resolution will be forwarded to congressional leaders and North Dakota's congressional delegation as a formal request for federal recognition.

Maddy summaryHCR 3016 is a non-binding resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature urging state and federal officials to maintain policies supporting carbon capture technology and CO₂ utilization for enhanced oil recovery. It highlights that CO₂ from energy and agriculture facilities can unlock additional oil production in the Bakken Formation - potentially adding billions of barrels - and supports North Dakota's oil industry (which contributes $8 million daily in tax revenue) and coal sector (12,000 jobs). The resolution specifically asks the federal government to incentivize CO₂ use in oil recovery and partner with North Dakota to advance these technologies. It does not create new laws but encourages existing policy continuity to boost energy security and economic benefits.

Maddy summaryNorth Dakota's legislature passed HCR 3015, a concurrent resolution urging grid operators Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to fix market rules causing reliable power plants to retire faster than replacements are built. The resolution argues current pricing fails to value steady, dispatchable energy sources needed for grid reliability, especially as weather-dependent generation grows and retirement rates accelerate. It specifically asks SPP and MISO to reform how they pay for power to ensure resources that maintain grid stability during peak demand or extreme weather remain economically viable. This resolution directly affects North Dakota residents and businesses dependent on consistent electricity service, as SPP and MISO manage the regional grid serving the state.

Maddy summarySB 2145 protects employees of North Dakota's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, 211 information helpline, and 911 systems from civil lawsuits when providing services, unless they act with willful misconduct or gross negligence. The law grants these employees immunity from claims related to their work, ensuring they can assist callers without fear of legal action for ordinary errors. This immunity does not affect existing protections for state or local government entities or their employees. The bill became law after the governor signed it on March 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1397 designates "Dancing Dakota" (written by Chuck Suchy) as North Dakota's official state waltz and creates a process for appointing a state troubadour. The bill requires the North Dakota Council on the Arts chairman to appoint an individual to serve a five-year term as state troubadour, with vacancies filled by the chairman for the remaining term. This bill directly affects North Dakota's cultural identity by formally recognizing a specific musical piece and establishing a role for a state troubadour. It has no regulatory or financial impact, as it solely concerns ceremonial designations.