Rep. Scott Louser

Maddy summarySB 2149 updates North Dakota's School Construction Assistance Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Bank of North Dakota, to provide low-interest loans for public school construction and remodeling projects. It sets maximum loan amounts: up to $15 million for projects under $75 million (or 80% of cost if district funds exceed limits), up to $30 million for larger projects, and up to $20 million for projects on air force bases. The bill requires school districts to meet specific eligibility criteria, including project cost thresholds ($1 million minimum), approval from the superintendent, community voting, and prioritization based on student needs, building age, and safety. Loans carry a 2% interest rate with a 20-year term, and the fund is replenished by repayments to support future school construction.

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 1267 amends North Dakota's optometry licensure laws to clarify the scope of practice for optometrists. It explicitly defines "optometric services" to include prescribing certain eye-related medications (like diagnostic dyes and topical treatments) while prohibiting laser therapy and surgery except for removing superficial foreign bodies. The bill also establishes requirements for telemedicine providers ("distant site providers") to hold an active state license and defines key terms like "diagnosis and treatment" to ensure consistency. These changes directly affect optometrists, their practices, and the state licensing board, updating administrative rules and fee structures for licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 1224 simplifies the process for inheriting small estates in North Dakota by allowing claimants to collect assets using a sworn affidavit instead of court-appointed probate. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from a deceased person when the total estate value (minus debts) is under $510,000. The bill requires a 30-day wait after death, an affidavit confirming the estate size and no pending court proceedings, and allows debtors or transfer agents to release assets directly to the claimant. This eliminates the need for formal probate court involvement for qualifying small estates.

Maddy summarySB 2356 requires that deeds and contracts for deeds containing metes and bounds legal descriptions (which define property boundaries) must include the name and address of the person who drafted the description. This applies to new property transactions recorded after January 1, 2000, and affects property sellers, buyers, and county recorders. The bill specifies a required statement format ("The legal description was prepared by [name] [address]") to meet the requirement, preventing recorders from rejecting documents solely for missing this detail. It does not apply to instruments executed before 2000 or outside North Dakota. The law, signed by the Governor in March 2025, standardizes documentation for property records.

Maddy summaryHB 1471 requires dental benefit plans in North Dakota to offer payment methods other than credit cards to dentists, preventing plans from requiring credit card payments only. It mandates that plans notify dentists about any fees for specific payment methods, explain available options, and provide clear instructions for selecting fee-free alternatives. The bill also prohibits charging transmission fees for electronic payments unless the dentist consents, and restricts plans from sharing credit card company profits to cover claim payments. This directly affects dental benefit plans, their vendors, and health maintenance organizations when paying dentists in North Dakota.

Maddy summaryHCR 3019 is a ceremonial resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature to formally congratulate Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as U.S. President. It directly affects President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and North Dakota's congressional delegation, as the resolution will be delivered to them. The resolution expresses the legislature's support for Trump's leadership, border policies, and conservative principles, citing his election victory and survival of assassination attempts. It has no policy impact beyond this symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1379 would create a tax deduction for North Dakota residents and businesses selling qualifying gold or silver bullion. It allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by the profit (capital gain) from selling bullion that meets specific purity standards (999 parts per 1,000). The bill defines "bullion" as refined precious metal where value depends on metal content, not form, and applies only to gains included in federal taxable income. This change would apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, if enacted. The bill failed to pass in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1474 proposes a new tax based on the square footage of residential properties in North Dakota, replacing the traditional ad valorem tax for many homeowners. It directly affects residential property owners (including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses), local governments that collect taxes, and businesses installing solar/wind/geothermal systems through new tax credits. Key provisions include establishing a per-square-foot tax rate on both land and structures, modifying existing property tax credit rules for energy-efficient installations, and requiring county boards to adjust tax assessments under new valuation requirements. The bill also repeals an existing exemption for new residential properties and sets limits on how much local governments can levy through this new tax structure. The bill failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on March 11, 2025, with 5 votes in favor and 42 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1352 would amend North Dakota law to allow churches and places of worship to permit individuals with valid concealed firearm permits to carry weapons inside their buildings. The bill creates liability protection for churches if they permit such carry, stating they cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by authorized individuals. It specifies that churches may allow concealed carry only for people already authorized under existing concealed carry laws (like reciprocity agreements) or with the church's approval. This policy change directly affects religious institutions and individuals seeking to carry firearms in places of worship, while maintaining prohibitions on firearms for most others in these settings.