Maddy summaryHB 1554 restructures the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Advisory Board by defining its 12-member composition: four agricultural representatives (from farm bureau, farmers union, stockmen's association, and grain growers), two energy industry members (petroleum and lignite councils), four conservation group representatives, plus one business and one recreation association member. The bill establishes four-year terms with a two-term limit, requires at least two annual meetings, and specifies that grant recommendations must have majority board approval. It does not create new programs or funding but clarifies board membership, meeting procedures, and grant review processes for existing outdoor heritage initiatives. The bill was enacted as an emergency measure and signed into law in March 2025.
Sponsored bills
Relating to ownership of accounting firms by qualified plans; and to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 10-31-04 and subsection 3 of section 43‑02.2‑06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to minority ownership of an accounting firm.
Maddy summaryHB 1217 repeals North Dakota's section 12.1-20-17 of the Century Code, which previously made it a crime to willfully transfer body fluids containing HIV. This procedural bill removes an existing criminal penalty related to HIV transmission through body fluids. The repeal directly affects individuals who might have faced prosecution under this specific law. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.
Relating to the creation of the North Dakota Ireland trade commission; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an expiration date.
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 1135 amends North Dakota law to increase the maximum total loan amount available through the veterans' aid fund from $5,000 to $50,000 for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. The bill directly affects North Dakota veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses who are state residents and citizens, allowing them to receive multiple loans totaling up to $50,000. Key provisions clarify that additional loans may be issued if the applicant meets ongoing eligibility criteria, with all loans consolidated into a single payment. The changes streamline access to financial assistance for qualifying veterans while maintaining the fund's purpose of providing aid through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Maddy summaryHB 1038 appropriates $15 million to replace state-owned uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that don’t meet federal security requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act and American Security Drone Act of 2023. It requires state agencies to return outdated UAVs to the uncrewed aircraft systems test site for disposal or sale, while providing new compliant UAVs, staff training, and a centralized registration system for agencies. The bill also allocates $11 million for a state radar data pathfinder program to integrate federal radar data with state UAV operations, enhance security protocols, and improve safety and infrastructure. Both programs require reports by June 2026 detailing implementation, costs, and compliance needs. The bill directly affects state agencies using UAVs and aims to ensure federal regulatory compliance.
Maddy summaryHB 1129 appropriates $1.25 million for a study on student attendance and absenteeism in North Dakota public schools (K-12) during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill requires the superintendent of public instruction, with input from a research team, to analyze existing data, identify strategies used in high-attendance districts, and develop recommendations to address chronic absenteeism. It mandates a legislative report with findings and proposed legislation by September 1, 2026. The bill failed to pass on February 25, 2025, with 2 votes in favor and 88 against.
Maddy summaryHB 1249 allocates one-time state funds for autonomous technology grants to four state agencies: $250,000 to the Attorney General for law enforcement tools (like drones for missing persons searches), $500,000 to Career and Technical Education for workforce training in oil/gas, $250,000 to Health and Human Services for rural emergency response, and $500,000 to the Agriculture Commissioner for farm technology. Each agency must establish application guidelines requiring grant recipients to certify their use of autonomous tech (e.g., drones, vehicles) aligns with the agency’s mission and provide a 1:4 matching fund ratio. Recipients must report grant usage to lawmakers during the 2025-2026 interim. The bill covers a two-year period starting July 2025, with all funding designated as one-time.
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.