Sen. Tim Mathern

Maddy summaryHB 1492 proposes a one-time $24 million appropriation from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Public Instruction for a grant supporting a science museum construction project. The bill requires the museum project to secure $24 million in nonstate matching funds before receiving the state grant. This funding would cover the 2025-2027 biennium and is structured as a passthrough grant, meaning the state funds would be distributed through the Department of Public Instruction to the qualifying museum. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 5, 2025, with 90 votes against and 2 in favor.

Maddy summarySB 2246 appropriates $49,500 from the general fund to the North Dakota Legislative Council for a one-time study on regenerative grazing. The bill directs a consultant to research the feasibility of creating a regenerative grazing ranch (focused on soil health and carbon absorption) and study how regenerative grazing practices affect carbon levels, rangeland productivity, and ranching sustainability. Key provisions require gathering scientific data, connecting ranchers with stakeholders, and identifying funding sources for carbon management practices. The study would involve input from the agriculture commissioner, mineral resources department, and ranching/energy industry stakeholders, with findings to be reported to the next legislative assembly. This bill does not create the ranch but examines whether it would benefit North Dakota's ranching and energy sectors.

Maddy summarySCR 4004 is a joint resolution designating April 21-28, 2025, as "North Dakota Dark Sky Week." It urges building owners, operators, and tenants to voluntarily reduce unnecessary lighting during migration seasons to help protect birds and reduce light pollution. The resolution specifically encourages participation in observing and supporting dark sky resources, without creating new legal requirements or penalties.

Maddy summarySB 2099 would require North Dakota schools to provide cardiac arrest prevention and response training to student athletes and coaches. The bill proposes creating a new section in the state's legal code mandating this education as part of athletic programs. It directly affects student athletes and coaches in public and private schools across North Dakota by establishing specific training requirements. The key provision would standardize cardiac emergency preparedness, including instruction on using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and emergency response protocols. This policy change aims to improve safety outcomes for student athletes during sports activities.

Relating to the workers' compensation disability benefits and retirement presumption; to repeal sections 65‑05‑09.4 and 65‑05‑09.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to workers' compensation additional benefits payable; and to provide for application.

Maddy summarySB 2103 would have allowed North Dakota taxpayers to deduct Segal AmeriCorps education awards from their state individual income tax. This deduction would directly affect residents who received Segal AmeriCorps education awards, reducing their taxable income. The bill proposed adding this specific tax provision to the North Dakota Century Code but was withdrawn on January 7, 2025, before moving forward, meaning it never became law.

Relating to public assistance for pregnant women.

Relating to the alternatives-to‑abortion program; and to provide for an appropriation to the department of health and human services to establish and maintain the alternatives-to‑abortion program.

Relating to a pay for success fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

Relating to the creation of an office of legal immigration; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a report.