Rep. Matt Heilman

Maddy summaryHB 1288 would create a process for anyone to request a review of whether a North Dakota public school district follows state education laws. It requires school districts to post a standard form online for submitting such requests, which the state Attorney General would then review and determine compliance. If a district is found noncompliant, the Attorney General would notify them and provide steps to fix the issue, with findings serving as evidence in related legal cases. The bill directly affects public school districts and individuals concerned about school adherence to state education statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1315 prohibits the North Dakota National Guard from being deployed into active combat missions unless Congress has officially declared war or taken specific constitutional action under Article I, Section 8. It defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflict, hazardous foreign service, or duties involving instruments of war. The bill requires the governor to ensure compliance, but does not restrict domestic deployments under Title 32 of U.S. Code for missions like civil authority support within the U.S. The legislation was introduced as an emergency measure in January 2025 but failed to pass in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1380 requires North Dakota county commissioners to publish full meeting records in the county's official newspaper or on the county's official website within seven days after each meeting. This applies directly to all county boards of commissioners and their designated newspaper publishers. The bill updates Section 11-11-37 of the North Dakota Century Code to mandate this timeline and specifies that newspaper publishers must file an affidavit of publication with the county auditor. (Note: The bill failed to pass on January 27, 2025, but this summary describes its intended provisions only.)

Maddy summaryHB 1384 would require counties with full-time county auditors to elect that position rather than appoint it, preventing counties from using home rule charters to make the role appointive. This bill directly affects all North Dakota counties that currently employ a full-time county auditor, ensuring the position remains elected under state law. The key provision amends North Dakota Century Code Section 11-10-02 to mandate that full-time county auditors must be elected, overriding any local home rule efforts to circumvent this requirement. The bill does not change existing election schedules or other county officer requirements. (Note: The bill failed to pass in the 2025 legislative session.)

Maddy summarySB 2178 amends North Dakota's election laws to update how voter data is stored and accessed. It specifies that the central voter file must include personal details like name, address, voting history, and driver's license numbers, while restricting access to certain data fields for political candidates and parties. The bill clarifies that only designated voter information (such as address and election preferences) can be used for election-related purposes, and "secured active" voter records remain private. It also standardizes absentee ballot application requirements for primary elections. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for voter file management.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 would create a state program to safely connect food donors (like businesses) with charities, making it easier to donate surplus food. Donors must be licensed under existing food safety rules, while charities wouldn’t need commercial kitchens or special certification but must follow local health unit food handling standards. Local health units would inspect donors, verify food handlers, and set safety rules, with donors protected from liability if following guidelines. The program would include educational resources and potential grants to support participation, aiming to reduce food waste while ensuring safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1251 would prohibit North Dakota public schools from holding extracurricular activities - including games, practices, performances, or competitions - on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Sunday. The bill defines "family days" as these specific holidays under existing state law and applies to all school activities, whether required or optional. It directly affects school districts and student participation in events on these dates. The proposed law failed to pass in January 2025 after committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 1196 proposed standardizing criminal history record checks for specific applicants in North Dakota. It required individuals seeking certain jobs (like teachers, healthcare workers, foster parents, or adoption/parenting roles) to provide fingerprints and written consent for statewide and nationwide background checks, with agencies mandated to complete checks within three days. The bill applied to multiple state agencies including education boards, health departments, and foster care providers, but was withdrawn from consideration before becoming law.

Relating to an income tax deduction for cash and noncash tips received by a food or beverage service establishment employee; and to provide an effective date.

Relating to Sunday closing laws; to amend and reenact section 12.1-30-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to Sunday closing laws and retail agreements; and to provide a penalty.