Rep. Dan Vollmer

Relating to designating a portion of state highway 5 in Bottineau as the LCDR Carl J. Woods Vietnam bridge; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to motor vehicle fuel tax, special fuels tax, and aviation fuel tax refunds for fuels purchased by fire departments; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1180 amends North Dakota law to clarify eligibility for veteran benefits, directly affecting veterans with service-connected disabilities, their dependents, and surviving spouses. It updates definitions to include veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (including those with extra-schedular ratings for total disability), expanding who qualifies as a "dependent" for benefits like education assistance and employment preferences. Key provisions include allowing spouses of disabled veterans to claim employment preference if the veteran cannot, and extending free distinctive vehicle license plates (for up to two vehicles) to disabled veterans and surviving spouses receiving VA dependency compensation. The bill also clarifies residency requirements for dependents and streamlines proof of VA compensation eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 2185 appropriates $1 million from North Dakota's general fund for a one-time grant to replace outdated sewer and water infrastructure at Lake Metigoshe State Park and surrounding areas. The funds would be provided to a local water resource district to modernize the aging systems serving the park and adjacent communities. This grant is intended for the 2025-2027 biennium and focuses specifically on infrastructure upgrades, not policy changes. The bill directly affects park operations and nearby residents reliant on the shared sewer system.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 would limit home rule counties and cities in North Dakota to a maximum 3% sales, use, or gross receipts tax rate after June 30, 2025. It prohibits new taxes or rate increases above 3% for existing local taxes after that date, though taxes approved before July 1, 2025, at higher rates could continue until their approved expiration period ended. The bill affects all counties and cities with home rule authority that levy these local taxes. It takes effect for taxable events occurring after June 30, 2025.