Rep. Desiree Morton

Relating to an education savings account program for students who are not enrolled in public school or a homeschool program; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1181 proposes to amend section 1-01-34 of the North Dakota Century Code. This section specifically addresses how gendered language is used and interpreted throughout the state's official legal texts. The bill aims to modify these rules for gender usage within the North Dakota Century Code, thereby affecting how laws are written and understood across the state.

Relating to training for mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect; and to repeal section 15.1‑19‑29 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to training for mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Maddy summaryHCR 3025 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Fargo, North Dakota police and first responders following a July 2023 shooting incident. It specifically commends Officer Jake Wallin (who died in the line of duty), Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes, Sergeant Zach Robinson, and civilian Karlee Koswick for their actions during the incident. The resolution expresses gratitude to all first responders and directs copies to be sent to the named individuals, their families, and the Fargo Police Department. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy effect beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal provision in North Dakota's laws regarding parent and guardian access to a minor's medical examination room. The bill's abstract indicates it establishes rules for when parents or guardians may be present during a minor's medical examination. However, the provided context does not include the specific details of the access rules, exceptions, or who would be directly affected beyond the general categories of minors, parents, and guardians. Without additional information on the actual provisions, a detailed summary of key mechanisms cannot be provided. As a procedural bill establishing a new legal section, a more detailed summary is not possible with the current context.

Maddy summaryHB 1220 would establish a new "North Dakota accelerated degree" program for high-demand occupations within the state's education code. This program would allow students to earn credentials more quickly in fields with significant workforce needs, directly benefiting students seeking faster entry into these careers. The key mechanism is creating a new section in North Dakota's Century Code (Chapter 15-10) to formally authorize and structure these accelerated pathways. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to streamline education-to-employment for specific high-demand occupations.

Maddy summaryHB 1291, despite its title suggesting a "legislative management study," actually creates new enforcement provisions targeting employment of unauthorized workers in North Dakota. The bill prohibits private employers from hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers (defined per federal law) and requires labor commissioner investigations for violations, with cases referred to the attorney general for prosecution. Penalties include escalating civil fines ($5,000 to $30,000) and business license suspensions or revocations for repeated offenses. The bill failed to pass the legislature on April 4, 2025, with 44 votes against and 1 in favor.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 would have required North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study on limiting the development and release of self-spreading viruses and bacteria. The study would have examined who is involved in such work, health impacts and data on adverse effects, potential enforcement measures, and possible exceptions. It was not a law but a procedural request for analysis, intended to inform future legislation. The bill failed to pass in the March 2025 legislative session (16 yeas, 29 nays) and remains inactive. No policy changes were enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1357 amends North Dakota law to strengthen student data privacy protections for school districts. It requires school boards to adopt written policies mandating permission from the board before sharing student data with non-employees (except parents or as legally required), allowing data sharing with state entities only through formal agreements, and requiring districts to maintain and publicly provide lists of all individuals and personnel with data access. The law directly affects all North Dakota public school districts by establishing clear, enforceable rules for handling student information. These provisions aim to increase transparency and control over how student data is used and shared.

Maddy summaryHCR 3013 is a non-binding resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which established same-sex marriage as legal nationwide. The resolution argues that Obergefell conflicts with the U.S. Constitution and traditional marriage definitions, and it requests the Court restore marriage to "a union between one man and one woman." It failed to pass in the legislature on March 13, 2025, and has no legal effect on marriage laws. This resolution expresses legislative opinion only and does not alter any existing marriage statutes or court rulings.