Rep. Emily O'Brien

Maddy summaryHB 1473 would create a new legal restriction in North Dakota for drug manufacturers by adding a subsection to section 43-15.3-08 of the state's Century Code. The bill prohibits specific actions by drug manufacturers that are not currently covered under existing law and establishes penalties for violations. It directly affects pharmaceutical companies operating in North Dakota by imposing new compliance requirements. The exact prohibited acts and penalty structure are defined within the new subsection of the state code.

Maddy summarySB 2146 creates North Dakota's participation in an interstate occupational therapy licensure compact. It allows licensed occupational therapists from participating states to practice in North Dakota under a "compact privilege" without needing a separate state license, provided the patient is physically located in North Dakota during care. This mutual recognition improves access to therapy services for patients across state lines while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. The compact also standardizes how states share disciplinary information and handle complaints between member states.

Relating to the use of an engine compression brake device and cities and counties posting a zone prohibiting the use of an engine compression brake device; to amend and reenact section 39‑06.1‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of a moving violation; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summarySB 2183 revises the penalty for speeding in construction zones in North Dakota. It directly affects drivers who exceed speed limits in these areas. The bill amends the existing law (North Dakota Century Code § 39-06.1-06) to change the penalty structure for such violations, though the abstract does not specify the exact nature of the penalty change.

Relating to a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for abandoned motor vehicles; and to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 23.1‑15‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to excise tax on a motor vehicle taken into the custody of a commercial towing service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2209) prevents victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse/neglect from being charged for medical exams used to gather crime evidence. It requires North Dakota's Attorney General to reimburse healthcare providers and children's advocacy centers for these exams using a $200,000 state appropriation. The law ensures victims (including children) and their guardians won't face direct billing for forensic exams or preliminary screenings. Evidence collected under this law cannot be used against victims for unrelated offenses. The funding supports domestic violence examiner programs and requires reporting on how funds are used and victim outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1599 creates a formal state leave sharing program for permanent North Dakota state employees. It allows employees to donate accrued annual or sick leave to colleagues facing pregnancy or severe, extreme, or life-threatening medical conditions (for themselves or immediate family), requiring medical certification. The program limits donated leave to four months per year, excludes temporary or contracted staff, and mandates the Office of Management and Budget to track usage and adopt implementing rules. This policy directly affects permanent state employees needing extended leave due to qualifying health circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 1415 amends North Dakota law to explicitly exempt work schedule records of employees in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and law enforcement agencies from public disclosure. This means these specific scheduling records, which were previously subject to public records requests, will no longer be accessible to the public under state law. The bill directly affects corrections and law enforcement staff by shielding their work schedules from transparency requests. The change clarifies and codifies an existing exemption within the state's public records statute.

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

Maddy summarySB 2357 proposes a legislative study to examine whether merging five separate mental health licensing boards (for psychologists, social workers, addiction counselors, counselors, and marriage/family therapists) into a single "composite board" would be feasible, beneficial, and address challenges. The bill would amend North Dakota law to create a new structure for this unified board while repealing existing statutes governing the five individual boards. This study would directly affect mental health professionals seeking or renewing licenses in these fields, as well as the state agencies managing their licensing. The bill does not create the board itself but authorizes an assessment to determine if consolidation is warranted.