Maddy summaryHB 1528 amends North Dakota's arson and endangering by fire statutes to clarify definitions and strengthen penalties. It specifies that intentionally damaging one's own property to defraud insurers or deprive others of legal interests (like mortgage holders) now qualifies as arson, a class B felony. The bill also expands "endangering" offenses to explicitly include firefighters responding to emergencies and establishes that being intoxicated while starting a fire is considered proof of intent. Offenses are classified as class A, B, or C felonies based on severity, including death, extreme indifference to life, or property damage exceeding $2,000. The law directly affects individuals committing arson or reckless fire/explosion acts, insurers, property owners, and emergency responders.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1602 changes North Dakota's public employee retirement system by closing the traditional defined benefit plan to new hires starting January 1, 2025. Instead, new permanent employees (excluding those in specific exception roles like teachers, law enforcement, or university staff) must join a defined contribution retirement plan. Existing members who joined before 2025 remain in the defined benefit plan, and political subdivisions (like cities or counties) may choose whether to participate in the new defined contribution plan. The bill clarifies that local governments are not required to offer either retirement plan, and no fees apply if they withdraw from the defined contribution system.
Relating to the use of an engine compression brake device and cities and counties posting a zone prohibiting the use of an engine compression brake device; to amend and reenact section 39‑06.1‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of a moving violation; and to provide a penalty.
Relating to the regulation of conveyances and elevator contractors, mechanics, and inspectors; to amend and reenact sections 43‑09‑01 and 43‑09‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions applicable to conveyance regulation and the membership of the state electrical board; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.
Maddy summarySB 2183 revises the penalty for speeding in construction zones in North Dakota. It directly affects drivers who exceed speed limits in these areas. The bill amends the existing law (North Dakota Century Code § 39-06.1-06) to change the penalty structure for such violations, though the abstract does not specify the exact nature of the penalty change.
Maddy summaryHB 1174 is a procedural bill that would create a new section in North Dakota's Century Code (Chapter 20.1-02) specifically for educational and community outreach programs run by the Game and Fish Department. The bill's abstract indicates it establishes a legal framework for these programs but does not specify their content, funding, or direct beneficiaries. Key mechanisms or operational details (such as program requirements, eligibility, or departmental responsibilities) are not described in the provided abstract. As a procedural measure naming a new legal section, it does not outline concrete policy changes or directly affect specific groups beyond authorizing the department to operate such programs under this new code section. The abstract lacks sufficient detail to describe specific provisions or impacts.
Maddy summaryHB 1393 would have created new licensing requirements for businesses offering "earned wage access" services in North Dakota - allowing workers to access part of their earned but unpaid wages before their regular payday. The bill would have required providers (excluding banks, payroll services, and employers offering early pay directly) to obtain a license from the Financial Institutions Commissioner, maintain $25,000 net worth, post a $50,000 bond, and pass background checks for fraud convictions. Key provisions defined terms like "earned income access transaction" and set rules for fees, consumer notices, and prohibited practices. This bill would have directly affected non-exempt companies seeking to offer early wage access, not workers or employers. (Note: The bill failed to pass in April 2025.)
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 4012) from the North Dakota legislature urges Congress to permit the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on private land. It directly affects livestock producers and wildlife management programs by seeking to allow these devices to control predators that threaten livestock and endangered species. The resolution states that when used with landowner permission and safety measures (like warning signs), the devices pose no occupational risk to humans. As a non-binding request to Congress, it does not change current law but asks for legislative action to permit their use on private property.
Maddy summaryHB 1158 creates a new exemption for petition records held by North Dakota's Secretary of State. It makes records related to petitions for initiatives or referendums confidential until the Secretary either approves the petition's sufficiency under state law or 35 days pass after receiving the records. This directly affects petitioners and the Secretary of State's office by delaying public access to these documents during the initial review period. The law changes transparency rules but does not alter how petitions are submitted or processed.
Maddy summarySB 2136 amends North Dakota laws (sections 5-04-02 and 5-04-14 of the Century Code) to regulate relationships between brewers and beer wholesalers. It prohibits brewers from: forcing wholesalers to accept unrequested products, threatening to cancel agreements to compel illegal actions, restricting wholesalers' ability to sell competing brands (unless quality/sales are materially harmed), demanding confidential financial data, failing to provide written contracts, or mandating specific e-commerce platforms. The bill also requires new brewer owners to honor existing agreements with wholesalers, unless "good cause" exists under state law. This directly affects brewers and beer wholesalers operating in North Dakota by establishing clearer, more transparent business terms.