Rep. Mike Lefor

Relating to the enforcement process for the North Dakota ethics commission; and to repeal sections 54‑66‑06, 54‑66‑07, and 54‑66‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to complaints filed with the North Dakota ethics commission.

Relating to the North Dakota insurance incentive program; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06 and subsection 3 of section 26.1‑01‑07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the insurance incentive fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 1356 modifies North Dakota's open records law to clarify what legislative records cannot be disclosed under public access rules. It protects personal communications between lawmakers and the legislative council, legislative work product, and private phone records from disclosure. However, it specifically allows disclosure of bill draft or resolution requests made by legislators to their caucus leaders. The bill directly affects legislators and legislative staff by defining boundaries for sharing internal legislative communications.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 amends North Dakota law to set witness compensation at $25 per day for civil or criminal court appearances (excluding municipal court) and requires mileage reimbursement at the same rate paid to state employees. It limits criminal case witness expenses to $30,000 per county every two years, with the attorney general covering prosecution witnesses and the legal aid commission covering indigent defense witnesses. Prisoners cannot be paid as witnesses under this bill. The law also allows counties exceeding the funding cap to share unused funds with other counties, subject to attorney general approval.

Relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25‑13‑01.1 and 47‑16‑07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1463 requires that district political organizations in North Dakota hold their endorsing caucuses and official committee meetings within the geographic boundaries of their legislative district, as defined by law. The bill specifies that if a district overlaps multiple incorporated cities, meetings must be held within that city's boundaries. It does not change election rules or candidate selection but sets procedural location requirements for internal party meetings. This is a procedural bill focused solely on meeting locations, not policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHCR 3027 is a ceremonial resolution declaring February 13, 2025, as "Giving Hearts Day" in North Dakota. It recognizes the annual charitable event started by the Dakota Medical Foundation, Impact Foundation, and Alex Stern Family Foundation in 2008, which has raised over $195 million for regional charities. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on individuals or organizations; it solely serves as a symbolic declaration to honor the event. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to notify the supporting foundations of this designation.

Maddy summaryHB 1590 would create a pilot program allowing North Dakota parents to open student education services accounts for K-12 children. Parents could deposit up to $2,000 annually per child, with the Bank of North Dakota matching 50% of those deposits. Funds could cover authorized expenses like career courses, tutoring, mental health services, and approved educational materials, with unused funds rolling over yearly. The pilot, running 2025-2027 with $41.2 million in state funding, would close accounts if students leave the state or don't pursue higher education, requiring parent refunds for contributed amounts.

Maddy summarySB 2331 establishes a working group to manage wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, directly affecting park operations, local tourism, and conservation efforts. The group must maintain the wild horse population above 200 through nonlethal methods (like birth control or relocation), promote horse-related tourism, and submit annual reports to lawmakers. It requires a $50,000 state appropriation for the 2025-2027 biennium to support these activities. The bill mandates quarterly meetings and collaboration with the National Park Service, focusing on concrete management and tourism strategies without specifying outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1221 proposes allocating $24 million from North Dakota's general fund to the state board of higher education for workforce education innovation funds, to be distributed to eligible institutions during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provides direct funding for programs aimed at enhancing workforce training and education initiatives, primarily affecting community colleges and vocational schools eligible to receive these grants. It does not create new programs but establishes a funding mechanism for existing or planned workforce development efforts. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 11, 2025, with no support (0 yeas, 91 nays).