Rep. Mike Berg

Maddy summaryHB 1158 creates a new exemption for petition records held by North Dakota's Secretary of State. It makes records related to petitions for initiatives or referendums confidential until the Secretary either approves the petition's sufficiency under state law or 35 days pass after receiving the records. This directly affects petitioners and the Secretary of State's office by delaying public access to these documents during the initial review period. The law changes transparency rules but does not alter how petitions are submitted or processed.

Maddy summarySB 2260 updates North Dakota's geographic coordinate system definitions in state law. It formally establishes four coordinate systems: the North Dakota coordinate system of 1927 and 1983 (divided into north/south zones), the statewide North Dakota coordinate system of 2022 (one zone), and sixteen low-distortion coordinate zones for the 2022 system (e.g., "Fargo zone," "Bismarck zone"). The bill specifies how these systems must be referenced in land descriptions, such as "North Dakota coordinate system of 1983, north zone" or "Fargo zone of the North Dakota coordinate system of 2022." This procedural update primarily affects land surveyors, government agencies, and property records that rely on standardized geographic coordinates.

Maddy summaryHB 1526 requires pet food manufacturers and distributors to register products with North Dakota's commissioner before selling in the state. Manufacturers must pay $50 per product for in-state production or $120 per product for out-of-state production, with annual renewal fees of $100 per product. The law exempts small-scale producers who make non-commercial pet food at home, sell directly at farmers' markets, or avoid meat, poultry, fish, or their byproducts. Violations incur a $25 penalty per unregistered product. This applies to all standard and specialty pet food products distributed in North Dakota.

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.

Relating to placing the name of a candidate on the primary election ballot; and to repeal sections 16.1‑11‑05.1, 16.1‑11‑09, and 16.1‑11‑36 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to party organization endorsements, certificates of endorsement, and the minimum vote required at a primary election for nomination.

Maddy summaryHB 1590 would create a pilot program allowing North Dakota parents to open student education services accounts for K-12 children. Parents could deposit up to $2,000 annually per child, with the Bank of North Dakota matching 50% of those deposits. Funds could cover authorized expenses like career courses, tutoring, mental health services, and approved educational materials, with unused funds rolling over yearly. The pilot, running 2025-2027 with $41.2 million in state funding, would close accounts if students leave the state or don't pursue higher education, requiring parent refunds for contributed amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1550 would create a program where the Bank of North Dakota guarantees loans for constructing or renovating nursing and basic care facilities. The Bank would administer the program, establish a special reserve fund (using up to $100 million from a state strategic fund), and reimburse lenders if borrowers default. This directly affects nursing and basic care facilities seeking financing for facility upgrades or new construction.

Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for purchases made by a contractor, subcontractor, or builder on behalf of the state of North Dakota; to amend and reenact section 57‑40.2‑03.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to use tax on contractors; and to provide an effective date.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1271 would amend a North Dakota law to expand exceptions for when property deeds do not require a "statement of full consideration" (a document detailing the transaction's value). It specifically adds exemptions for sales involving agricultural lands under 80 acres, family or corporate affiliate transactions, estate settlements, forced sales, and nonprofit organization transfers. This change would directly affect property sellers and buyers in these specific transaction types by reducing administrative paperwork. The bill aims to streamline property transfers for these common scenarios without requiring additional documentation. (Note: The bill failed to pass in committee and on the floor.)