Sen. Tim Mathern

Relating to diagnostic breast examination and supplemental breast examination cost-sharing restrictions; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summaryHB 1545 would change the name of "First Nations Day" to "Indigenous Peoples Day" in North Dakota's state code (section 1-03-13 of the Century Code). This is a procedural bill that updates the official designation of an existing state observance. The change directly affects how the holiday is referenced in state law and official communications. It does not alter any policy, funding, or legal obligations related to the observance.

Maddy summarySB 2286 proposes authorizing the University of North Dakota (UND) to borrow up to $55 million through a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota during 2025-2027, with interest capped at rates for state entities. It also appropriates $95 million in one-time funding for UND to construct a new health sciences facility at its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The facility aims to expand health workforce capacity in areas like behavioral health and wellness, while supporting research and academic programs. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on April 8, 2025, with 6 votes in favor and 87 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1530 directs North Dakota's legislative management to study the causes of special education teacher shortages and related challenges. The study will examine specific issues affecting teachers, including excessive workloads (like uneven student caseloads and lack of planning time), safety concerns (such as inadequate crisis training and equipment), paraprofessional management gaps, and uncompensated paperwork burdens. It specifically requires analysis of how these factors impact both educators and students with disabilities. The findings will be reported to the 2027 legislature, with recommendations for potential future legislation to address the identified problems. This bill does not create new laws but mandates a detailed review of systemic issues in special education staffing.

Maddy summarySB 2352 creates a new legal provision in North Dakota law authorizing children of incarcerated individuals to reside at the Heart River Correctional Center. This bill directly affects inmates' children and the correctional center by establishing a formal process for their residence there. The key mechanism is the addition of a specific subsection to the North Dakota Century Code (section 54-23.3-04) that authorizes this arrangement. The bill does not change existing policies but provides statutory authorization for an existing practice.

Maddy summarySB 2171 amends North Dakota's emergency mental health procedures to clarify timelines and requirements for individuals detained due to mental health crises. It requires mental health facilities to examine individuals within 24 hours (or 72 hours for serious physical conditions) and either release them or file a court petition if emergency standards are met. Courts must schedule a hearing within four days (excluding weekends/holidays) with appointed legal counsel if the person hasn't been released or voluntarily admitted. This affects mental health facilities, individuals in emergency detention, and local courts handling these cases. The bill establishes a streamlined process for temporary detention while ensuring timely judicial review.

Maddy summaryHB 1464 authorizes a legislative study to examine maternal care services. The bill directs a specific committee to conduct a management study on current maternal care systems and services. It does not create new policies or directly affect individuals; instead, it establishes a process for gathering information. The study's purpose is to assess how maternal care services are managed, though the bill does not specify the exact scope or outcomes of the review. (1 sentence, as it is procedural in nature).

Relating to medical costs transparency for health care facilities; to amend and reenact section 26.1‑47‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to health care facility and preferred provider compliance with medical cost transparency requirements; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 amends North Dakota's dental board complaint process to clarify how individuals can file complaints about dentists. It requires written complaints to be filed with the dental board, mandates the board to investigate and notify both the complainant and dentist, and ensures complainants receive the dentist's written response. The bill also specifies that complaint records remain confidential during investigation and allows the board to charge dentists fees covering disciplinary costs. This directly affects individuals filing complaints, dentists under investigation, and the dental board during disciplinary proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 2190 would expand North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover five specific services: family training for behavioral therapy support, dental screenings and assessments, dental case management for special populations (like children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), asynchronous teledentistry to improve access, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for behavioral issues. These services would directly affect medical assistance recipients, particularly those with special healthcare needs or in underserved communities. The bill explicitly states these new benefits would not apply to Medicaid expansion programs. The provisions aim to integrate oral health care with general health services and reduce barriers to dental and behavioral support.