Sen. Tim Mathern

Maddy summarySB 2096 provides $5 million for renovating state hospital buildings to serve individuals with mental illness under correctional custody, involuntary commitment, or court-ordered forensic exams. It also appropriates $100 million to establish four regional acute psychiatric treatment and residential supportive housing services across North Dakota. The funds will allow the Department of Health and Human Services to build up to 24-bed facilities in each region or contract with private providers for these services. The bill directly affects individuals requiring acute psychiatric care and supportive housing, with funding allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 creates a special education funding study committee to examine current funding models in North Dakota during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The committee, composed of legislators, school administrators, special education directors, and business managers, will review funding approaches including student contracts, high-cost student support, residential placements, and Medicaid reimbursement. It must submit findings and legislative recommendations to the 70th legislative assembly by the end of the interim period. This bill directly affects North Dakota's public school systems and special education programs by initiating a formal review of how funding is structured.

Relating to the creation of the North Dakota Ireland trade commission; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summarySCR 4024 is a concurrent resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study using existing funds from the Capitol building fund to construct a new legislative office building. It addresses current facility issues including inadequate meeting spaces, unsafe parking conditions, and the lack of dedicated work areas for legislators and staff. The resolution specifies the study should examine building a legislative office building on Capitol grounds, potentially incorporating modern committee rooms and office space, while utilizing the fund's remaining balance (over $5 million) that has been partially used for other purposes. This resolution does not authorize construction but requires Legislative Management to report findings and any needed legislation to the next legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 1108 amends North Dakota law to update rules for interstate contracts allowing mental health and substance use disorder treatment across state lines. It directly affects patients needing care outside North Dakota and healthcare providers coordinating treatment with other states. The bill establishes clearer requirements for these contracts, ensuring proper legal agreements between states to facilitate seamless patient care. The emergency declaration reflects the urgency of addressing gaps in cross-state treatment access for vulnerable populations.

Maddy summaryHB 1178 requires North Dakota school districts to create policies allowing students who are qualified voters (18+ and registered) to leave campus during school hours to vote in elections. The policy must include conditions like time limits for absence or designated voting periods. This law directly affects high school students eligible to vote, enabling them to participate in elections without missing class. The bill became effective after being signed by the Governor on March 14, 2025. It establishes a concrete requirement for school districts to facilitate student voting access.

Maddy summaryHB 1518 would update North Dakota's traffic code to clarify rules for driving around rotary traffic islands (roundabouts). It requires vehicles to drive only to the right of such islands and mandates drivers to signal before exiting a rotary. The bill specifically applies to drivers navigating designated roundabouts on one-way roadways, as defined in the amended traffic code section. This proposal did not pass the legislature, with 3 votes in favor and 43 against.

Maddy summaryHCR 3036 is a constitutional amendment proposing changes to how North Dakota's legislature convenes. It would allow the legislature to meet annually or every two years for up to 100 days per session, with specific dates for organizational meetings (December) and regular sessions (starting January). The bill directly affects legislators by setting session length limits, requiring two separate readings of bills, and clarifying how sessions are counted (excluding organizational days and special sessions). If approved by voters, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1107 would have created a new state income tax deduction in North Dakota for individuals who received Segal AmeriCorps education awards. The bill aimed to allow taxpayers to reduce their state taxable income by the amount of their Segal AmeriCorps education award. This provision would have directly affected North Dakota residents who earned these specific education awards through the Segal AmeriCorps program. The bill failed to pass in the North Dakota House of Representatives on March 7, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 25 against.

Maddy summarySB 2270 creates a new licensing pathway for international physicians in North Dakota. It establishes a provisional license allowing foreign-trained doctors to practice temporarily after meeting requirements like passing U.S. medical exams (USMLE), holding ECFMG certification, demonstrating English proficiency, and securing a job offer from a North Dakota healthcare provider. The provisional license automatically converts to full licensure after three years of active practice in the state. This bill directly affects international physicians seeking to practice medicine in North Dakota, streamlining their licensure process while maintaining standards for patient safety and competency.