Rep. Zac Ista

Maddy summarySB 2341 would adopt the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists into North Dakota law, creating a new chapter in the state code. This compact allows school psychologists licensed in one participating state to practice in North Dakota without undergoing full re-licensure. The bill directly affects school psychologists moving between compact states and North Dakota's education licensing system. By joining the compact, North Dakota would align its licensure procedures with other participating states to streamline cross-state practice for school psychologists.

Maddy summaryHB 1326 amends North Dakota's self-defense law to clarify that individuals cannot claim self-defense if they were unlawfully carrying a firearm at the time of an incident. Specifically, the bill adds that possessing a firearm in violation of state law (e.g., without a permit or due to a disqualifying offense) automatically disqualifies a person from using self-defense as a legal justification. This directly affects people who might otherwise argue self-defense while illegally holding a gun. The key provision (Section 12.1-05-03, subsection 3c) explicitly states that unlawful firearm possession negates self-defense claims during encounters involving imminent harm. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass the legislature.

Relating to restitution for the child of a victim of criminal vehicular homicide and conditions of probation; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑32‑06.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the extension of probation; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.

Maddy summaryHB 1395 requires landlords in North Dakota to provide prospective tenants with proof of completed criminal, credit, or background checks within seven days of the check. This applies directly to landlords who require such checks as part of the rental application process and affects renters who pay application fees. If landlords fail to provide this proof on time, they must refund all fees paid by the prospective tenant. The bill, which failed to pass in the legislature on March 28, 2025, aimed to increase transparency in rental screening practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1238 amends North Dakota's teaching license rules to require teachers with lifetime licenses to report certain information to the Education Standards Board every five years. Specifically, it mandates that these teachers submit a report disclosing any criminal violations since their last report or any issues that could lead to license revocation. The report must be provided in a board-prescribed format but cannot cost the teacher anything. This change directly affects North Dakota teachers who have held a teaching license for 30 years and received lifetime licensure.

Maddy summaryHCR 3029 is a non-binding resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study how inpatient and community-based services, along with existing waivers, support people with neurological conditions (like dementia or autism) whose behavioral symptoms risk incarceration, wrong facility placements, or homelessness. The study must analyze current data, identify service gaps, review treatment options, and recommend solutions such as new waiver programs or care guidelines. It does not change laws or provide funding but requires a report with recommendations to the next legislative session. This resolution affects individuals with neurological conditions facing system failures, not specific groups or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1420 amends North Dakota's library funding code to clarify that state aid grants for public libraries exclude those distributed under Chapter 54-24.2. This change directly affects public libraries receiving state funding by specifying which grant programs are included in the state aid distribution. The key provision updates Section 54-24.4-05 to explicitly approve state-funded grants for libraries, while maintaining the existing exclusion for Chapter 54-24.2 grants. The bill was enacted after receiving final approval from the Governor on March 24, 2025.

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 definition of a children's advocacy center and the confidentiality of communications and records in the possession of a children's advocacy center.

Maddy summarySCR 4020 is a ceremonial resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature to recognize and commend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for its 50th anniversary in 2025. It formally acknowledges NCSL's role as a bipartisan organization that supports state legislators, fosters cooperation among states, and strengthens legislative institutions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on constituents or legislation. The legislature directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to NCSL's leadership.