Sen. Brad Bekkedahl

Maddy summaryHB 1559 would limit annual increases in property taxes for residential homeowners in North Dakota by capping tax valuations at the average of the previous three years' values. Exceptions allow reassessment if property was previously untaxed, sold/transfered, or underwent significant improvements (not including routine maintenance or standard repairs after damage). The bill directly affects residential property owners by preventing sudden tax hikes from normal market value changes. It would take effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, and prohibits local governments from overriding these rules under home rule authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1366 would establish specific fee amounts for speeding violations in North Dakota, directly affecting drivers who exceed speed limits. The bill sets tiered fees based on how many miles per hour over the limit a driver was traveling (e.g., $5 for 1-5 mph over in most zones, escalating to $500 for 10+ mph over in certain high-speed zones), with higher fees for school zones ($40 for 1-10 mph over) and construction zones ($80 for 1-10 mph over). It also specifies additional fees for violations like failing to yield to pedestrians or speeding in commercial vehicle safety rules. The bill does not change speed limits or enforcement procedures, only the financial penalties for specific speeding offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1517 would create the North Dakota Student Teacher Scholarship Program to support future educators. It directs the state board of higher education to administer $4.2 million in state funds (for 2025-2027) to provide scholarships of up to $3,000 per semester toward tuition and fees for student teachers enrolled in state-approved teacher preparation programs during their student teaching experience. Eligibility requires enrollment in such a program, satisfactory academic progress, and no existing teaching license. The program would directly benefit undergraduate student teachers pursuing initial teaching licensure in North Dakota.

Relating to the chairman and vice chairman of the legislative management; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to creation of the opioid settlement fund, creation of the opioid settlement advisory committee, and use of opioid settlement funds; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06 and section 23‑01‑42 of the North Dakota Century Code and section 5 of chapter 3 of the 2021 Session Laws, relating to funds under management of the state investment board, opioid antagonist prescription, distribution, possession, or use, and the funding of the opioid treatment and prevention program; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to the infrastructure revolving loan fund and accrued and unpaid interest in western area water supply authority loans; to amend and reenact subsection 13 of section 61‑40‑05, and sections 61‑40‑09, 61‑40‑10, and 61‑40-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the oversight of the western area water supply authority and infrastructure revolving loan fund payments; and to provide an appropriation.

Relating to the legacy sinking and interest fund and the legacy earnings fund; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to a large facility development fund; to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 57‑39.2‑04.15 and section 57‑39.2‑26 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a sales tax exemption for a fertilizer plant and allocation of sales tax revenue; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an expiration date.