Sen. Judy Lee

Maddy summaryHB 1471 requires dental benefit plans in North Dakota to offer payment methods other than credit cards to dentists, preventing plans from requiring credit card payments only. It mandates that plans notify dentists about any fees for specific payment methods, explain available options, and provide clear instructions for selecting fee-free alternatives. The bill also prohibits charging transmission fees for electronic payments unless the dentist consents, and restricts plans from sharing credit card company profits to cover claim payments. This directly affects dental benefit plans, their vendors, and health maintenance organizations when paying dentists in North Dakota.

Relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact section 25‑13‑01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summarySB 2389 would direct North Dakota's legislative management to study the state's child care infrastructure during the 2025-26 interim. The study would examine child care availability, affordability, public funding (including reimbursement rates and grant programs), and licensing processes across all counties. It aims to identify strengths, challenges, and policy improvements to inform future legislation. The bill failed to pass in February 2025, so no study has been conducted.

Maddy summarySB 2192 would provide $240,000 in state funds to reimburse community health and social service providers for costs associated with meeting state accreditation requirements. It directly affects community-based organizations that need accreditation to operate, such as clinics, shelters, or support programs. The bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute grants covering these accreditation expenses for the 2025-2027 biennium. This is a funding measure, not a policy change to accreditation standards themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 1478, if enacted, would create new protections in North Dakota law for access to contraceptives. It defines contraceptives broadly (including pills, IUDs, condoms, and patches) while excluding abortion drugs, and guarantees individuals the right to receive, purchase, or use contraception under evidence-based medical guidelines. The bill also protects health care providers who decline to provide contraception based on religious or moral objections, and ensures health insurers cover contraceptive care. It allows lawsuits against state entities that restrict these rights, with penalties including court-ordered relief and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs.

Maddy summarySB 2194 requires North Dakota's Bureau of Criminal Investigation to accept digital fingerprints for background checks and deliver results within four business days to requesting agencies (like employers or licensing boards). It appropriates $5 million to cover equipment and costs for this system during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill applies to background check requests received after its effective date of February 1, 2026. This changes how criminal history checks are processed by making digital submissions and faster turnaround mandatory for state agencies conducting these checks.

Relating to step therapy protocols; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Relating to the duties of occupational and professional boards and the receipt by the office of the governor of complaints following licensing decisions of occupational and professional boards; and to provide for a report.

Maddy summarySB 2316 proposed creating four regional service areas in North Dakota to provide long-term care for patients requiring ventilator support or psychiatric services. The bill would have required the state department to contract with providers in each region or pay for out-of-state care if local providers weren't available, while allowing collaboration with neighboring states. Facilities serving these patients could receive additional funding if they documented prior out-of-state care for the same patients. The bill specifically targeted patients with complex medical or psychiatric needs requiring ongoing specialized care. It failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature in February 2025.

Relating to the consolidation of the board of hearing aid specialists and the board of examiners on audiology and speech-language pathology; and to repeal sections 43‑33‑15 and 43‑33‑17 related to the board of hearing aid specialists.