Rep. Mike Motschenbacher

Maddy summaryHB 1316 adds two new provisions to North Dakota's law governing temporary restricted licenses and establishes a penalty for violations. It directly affects individuals holding temporary restricted licenses, such as new drivers or those with specific driving restrictions. The bill does not change the process for obtaining these licenses but introduces new enforcement measures. The abstract does not specify the exact penalty or violations it addresses.

Maddy summaryHB 1602 changes North Dakota's public employee retirement system by closing the traditional defined benefit plan to new hires starting January 1, 2025. Instead, new permanent employees (excluding those in specific exception roles like teachers, law enforcement, or university staff) must join a defined contribution retirement plan. Existing members who joined before 2025 remain in the defined benefit plan, and political subdivisions (like cities or counties) may choose whether to participate in the new defined contribution plan. The bill clarifies that local governments are not required to offer either retirement plan, and no fees apply if they withdraw from the defined contribution system.

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 1401 amends North Dakota law (Section 40-11-04.2) to give cities more flexibility when selling city-owned property. It allows cities to use either exclusive or nonexclusive listing agreements with licensed real estate brokers, provided they first adopt a resolution specifying the property, setting a maximum commission rate, and reserving the right to reject insufficient offers. Cities must select brokers through a competitive process for exclusive listings. This change directly affects North Dakota cities selling property, streamlining the sales process while maintaining city control over fees and offers.

Relating to income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts and the marriage penalty credit; to repeal section 57‑38‑01.28 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the marriage penalty credit; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summarySB 2242, now law after being signed by the Governor on March 20, 2025, directs North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study of state higher education institutions during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The study will examine efficiency, dual-credit programs, tuition costs, uniform transcripts, credit transfers, and potential consolidation or satellite campuses. It does not change current policies but will produce recommendations for future legislation to address these areas. The study committee will include bipartisan legislative members and representatives from higher education, K-12, and key industries.

Maddy summarySB 2386 amends North Dakota's cottage food law to restrict how small-scale food businesses can sell products. It prohibits interstate sales, internet/phone/mail transactions, and the sale of uninspected meat or poultry products, with specific limits for poultry: operators may slaughter no more than 1,000 birds yearly, cannot buy/sell outside their own production, and must ensure products are non-adulterated. This directly affects cottage food operators who sell homemade food, limiting their sales channels and product types. The law, signed by the governor on March 20, 2025, clarifies regulatory boundaries for these small businesses.

Maddy summaryHCR 3036 is a constitutional amendment proposing changes to how North Dakota's legislature convenes. It would allow the legislature to meet annually or every two years for up to 100 days per session, with specific dates for organizational meetings (December) and regular sessions (starting January). The bill directly affects legislators by setting session length limits, requiring two separate readings of bills, and clarifying how sessions are counted (excluding organizational days and special sessions). If approved by voters, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 would have established new rules for student eligibility in North Dakota high school sports and activities. It requires the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) to presume no undue influence in student recruitment and allows students to verify residency using documents like utility bills or lease agreements. The bill specifically prohibits NDHSAA from demanding proof that a parent vacated a previous home and ensures students in joint custody situations gain immediate eligibility upon enrolling in a new school district after moving. These provisions aim to simplify residency verification and prevent delays for students transitioning between school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1335 would adjust North Dakota's homestead tax credit to lower the eligibility age from 65 to 62 for seniors, while updating income thresholds. It would provide a full tax reduction (up to $9,000) for qualifying residents aged 62+ or permanently disabled with income under $70,000, and a partial reduction (up to $4,500) for those earning $70,000-$100,000. The bill requires applicants to submit a verified income statement, with the exemption applying to primary residences but not special assessments. It would take effect for property taxes starting in 2025. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but failed to pass the legislature in February 2025.