Rep. Larry Klemin

Maddy summaryHB 1364 amends North Dakota's legal code to adjust how courts handle partial sentence suspension for individuals who successfully complete specialized court programs. The bill modifies a specific section of the Century Code to allow courts to partially suspend a defendant's sentence upon completion of drug court, mental health court, or veterans treatment dockets. This means participants in these programs may avoid serving the full sentence, potentially reducing prison time or enabling community-based alternatives. The change directly affects defendants in these programs who meet completion requirements, without altering program eligibility or structure.

Relating to the special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances and to driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances while being accompanied by a minor; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the specific provisions, amendments, or policy changes in HB 1367. The bill's title and abstract only reference "amend[ing] drug crime penalties and drug paraphernalia possession" without detailing the actual changes to penalties, definitions, or affected parties. Without access to the bill's full text or specific amendments, a factual summary of its mechanisms or concrete effects cannot be created. More detailed information about the proposed changes to the North Dakota Century Code sections would be required to fulfill this request accurately.

Maddy summaryHB 1418 amends North Dakota's Century Code to clarify when law enforcement may make warrantless arrests for harassing a public safety agency. The bill specifically targets conduct that interferes with public safety personnel or operations, though the exact definition of "harassing" isn't detailed in the provided abstract. It directly affects individuals who engage in behavior deemed disruptive to emergency services or public safety operations. This is a procedural code amendment focused on defining arrest authority, not a substantive policy change with broader public impact. The context provided does not include sufficient detail to describe the specific mechanisms or scope of the amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 1504 amends North Dakota's veterans' postwar trust fund to clarify its permanent status and management. It requires all investment income from the fund to be used exclusively for veteran programs or services, with funds automatically appropriated to the veterans' affairs committee for the following biennium. The bill adds a new provision allowing veterans' organizations (as defined in state law) to donate funds specifically for programs preventing and eliminating veteran homelessness. These changes ensure the fund's resources directly support veterans' needs through established administrative channels.

Relating to the regulation of the operation of off‑highway vehicles and political subdivision rules regulating off‑highway vehicles; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1149 amends specific sections of North Dakota's unclaimed property law to adopt the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. It directly affects financial institutions, businesses, and individuals with unclaimed assets like forgotten bank accounts or uncashed checks. The bill updates procedures for reporting, holding, and returning unclaimed property to rightful owners, while declaring an emergency to expedite implementation. (Note: The provided context does not specify exact changes to the code sections or additional provisions beyond adopting the revised act.)

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.

Maddy summaryHCR 3030 is a symbolic resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature to strengthen its longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, which began in 1986. It formally recognizes North Dakota's trade ties, academic exchanges, and shared values with Taiwan, while advocating for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations like the WHO, UN climate talks, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The resolution does not create new laws or policy changes but expresses legislative support for Taiwan's international engagement and encourages U.S. efforts like the U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement. It directs the Secretary of State to share copies with U.S. officials, Taiwan's representative office, and international bodies. This is a procedural statement, not a binding policy action.

Maddy summarySB 2290 amends North Dakota law governing punitive damages (also called "exemplary damages"). It clarifies that courts or juries may only award these punitive damages when a defendant's conduct involves "oppression, fraud, or actual malice," proven by clear and convincing evidence. The bill sets strict procedural rules: a party must first file a motion with supporting evidence to seek punitive damages, and the award cannot exceed twice the compensatory damages or $250,000. It also prohibits punitive damages against manufacturers who complied with federal safety standards and adds specific rules for drunk driving cases involving recent DUI convictions. This law directly affects plaintiffs seeking punitive damages, defendants, and courts handling such claims in North Dakota.