Sen. Jerry Klein

Maddy summarySB 2258 requires North Dakota state agencies to always cite the specific law or rule authorizing their enforcement actions (like notices or orders). If an agency exceeds its legal authority or loses a court challenge, it must report the issue to the Governor's office. The Governor's office must investigate reports of violations, maintain records, and issue an annual report to the legislative committee detailing agencies involved. This bill directly affects all state agencies enforcing rules, adding transparency and accountability to their enforcement processes.

Maddy summarySB 2250 amends North Dakota law to triple damages for intentional or reckless harm to timber, trees, or underwood on another person's property. For willful or wanton injuries (intentional or reckless acts), victims now receive three times the actual damage value, unless the trespass was accidental, the person mistakenly believed the land was theirs, or highway workers removed wood for road projects. Negligent (accidental) damage still only requires compensation for the actual loss. This law directly affects landowners whose timber is intentionally damaged and those who cause such damage. The bill became law on March 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Relating to ownership of accounting firms by qualified plans; and to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 10-31-04 and subsection 3 of section 43‑02.2‑06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to minority ownership of an accounting firm.

Maddy summaryHB 1526 requires pet food manufacturers and distributors to register products with North Dakota's commissioner before selling in the state. Manufacturers must pay $50 per product for in-state production or $120 per product for out-of-state production, with annual renewal fees of $100 per product. The law exempts small-scale producers who make non-commercial pet food at home, sell directly at farmers' markets, or avoid meat, poultry, fish, or their byproducts. Violations incur a $25 penalty per unregistered product. This applies to all standard and specialty pet food products distributed in North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2163 raises the reporting threshold for contractors in North Dakota from $25,000 to $50,000 per project. It requires contractors completing projects over $50,000 in the previous year to submit detailed project listings, insurance certificates, and proof of paid payroll taxes when renewing their licenses. The bill directly affects licensed contractors performing large-scale projects within the state, shifting reporting obligations to fewer businesses. Key provisions include mandatory project documentation, insurance verification, and tax compliance checks during license renewal. This change simplifies reporting for smaller contractors while maintaining oversight for larger projects.

Maddy summaryNorth Dakota's SCR 4013 is a symbolic legislative resolution supporting the Electoral College system and opposing the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). It urges states to form an "Electoral College Interstate Compact" that would prohibit states from awarding electoral votes based on the national popular vote and require legal challenges to the NPVIC's constitutionality. The resolution specifically cites concerns that the NPVIC undermines state power, could lead to nationwide recounts, and may violate the Constitution's Compact Clause. This resolution does not change election laws but invites other states to join a proposed agreement opposing the NPVIC. It was approved by North Dakota's legislature and sent to 30 other states for consideration.

Maddy summarySB 2310 adjusts fee requirements and minimum judgment thresholds for garnishment proceedings in North Dakota. It sets a $25-$40 fee for service on state entities (like the Office of Management and Budget) and requires plaintiffs to pay this fee when serving garnishee summons. The bill also prohibits judgments under $25-$40 against garnishees, requiring their discharge if the underlying judgment is below this amount. These changes directly affect creditors, debtors, and state agencies involved in garnishment cases.

Maddy summarySB 2338 is a procedural bill that redraws North Dakota's legislative district boundaries by amending Section 54-03-01.14 of the Century Code. It defines the geographic boundaries for all 47 districts, including creating subdistricts for Districts 4 and 9 (requiring separate elections for representatives in each subdistrict). The bill does not change voting rules or create new policies - it solely updates the map for representation. The measure failed to pass in the Senate on March 21, 2025, with 3 yeas and 81 nays.

Maddy summaryHB 1192 lowers the maximum value for primary prizes awarded by permitted organizations (like charities running raffles or bingo) in North Dakota from $15,000 to $8,000 per event, and reduces the annual total prize limit from $50,000 to $40,000. The bill specifically affects public-spirited organizations seeking gaming permits, requiring them to disclose how they'll use net income from these activities. It exempts raffles conducted under Chapter 20.1-08 from these limits. The law, signed by the governor in March 2025, directly changes financial parameters for nonprofit gaming operations.

Relating to information required in applications for professional employer services licensure, confidential records maintained by the secretary of state, notification provided to and fees charged by a notary public, notification provided to the registrant of a trade name, and fees charged by the secretary of state; and to provide a penalty.