Sen. Kent Weston

Maddy summaryHB 1296 would require individuals carrying concealed firearms (with a valid license) to show their physical license, a digital image of the license, or a valid driver's license/nondriver ID card to law enforcement upon request during any contact, including traffic stops. Violating this requirement would result in a $20 noncriminal fee, not criminal penalties. The bill directly affects concealed carry license holders in North Dakota by mandating immediate presentation of identification during officer interactions. It amends North Dakota Century Code section 62.1-04-04 to clarify these presentation obligations and penalties.

Maddy summaryNorth Dakota's SCR 4011 is a state resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose term limits for U.S. Congress members. It specifically seeks to limit House members to a set number of terms and Senate members to a set number of terms, aiming to increase accountability to constituents. The resolution is part of a broader state-level effort to gather enough state applications (two-thirds of states) under Article V of the Constitution to trigger such a convention. It does not impose term limits itself but requests Congress initiate the process for amending the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 1245 amends North Dakota's election offense laws to clarify and strengthen penalties for various voting and petition-related violations. It specifically prohibits paying individuals based on the number of signatures collected for election petitions (like initiatives or referendums), while allowing standard salaries not tied to signature counts. The bill also defines new offenses, such as signing petitions with false names, submitting petitions with fraudulent signatures, and obstructing voters at polling places. Violations can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, or felony convictions, with organizations facing business license revocation. This directly affects voters, election officials, petition circulators, and political organizations involved in ballot measure campaigns.

Maddy summaryHB 1457 would create a new exemption allowing individuals to avoid required vaccines (for school, work, or licensing) if the vaccine doesn't meet specific safety and effectiveness standards. These standards require the FDA-approved vaccine to have undergone at least one year of safety testing against a placebo, with injury data publicly posted, a lower risk of serious harm than the disease itself, and manufacturer liability for deaths or injuries. The North Dakota Department of Health must publicize this exemption and prohibit state agencies from requiring conditions inconsistent with it. The bill failed to pass during its second reading in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1519 requires North Dakota's Department of Health to compile and maintain individual death and vaccination records from the state's immunization and death registration systems. It mandates tracking specific details like vaccine type, date of vaccination, sex, race, and death dates within 720 days post-vaccination. The department must publish quarterly public reports on its website showing death rates for each vaccine type administered to over 20,000 people in the previous quarter, broken down by demographic groups and time intervals after vaccination. This bill directly affects the state health department's data management and public reporting processes.

Maddy summaryHCR 3020 is a symbolic resolution urging North Dakota to formally acknowledge "the Kingship of Jesus Christ" based on religious references in the bill text. It does not create new laws, policies, or requirements; instead, it requests the state adopt this religious acknowledgment. The resolution would have required the Secretary of State to forward copies to the Governor, President, and congressional delegation. The bill failed to pass the legislature on February 18, 2025, with 31 votes in favor and 59 against.

Relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25‑13‑01.1 and 47‑16‑07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1210 creates a new legal process for property owners within 25 miles of a carbon dioxide pipeline leak to seek compensation. It grants affected residents or landowners a "lien" against the pipeline owner for damages caused by leaks, including both current and future costs. To enforce this, victims must file a verified claim within one year, and the lien attaches only to the pipeline itself. The bill also requires pipeline owners in bankruptcy to hold trust funds for future victims. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 would establish a framework for certified chaplains in North Dakota public schools, allowing school districts to hire or volunteer certified chaplains (defined as those certified by national/state organizations or endorsed by religious groups) to provide support to students, staff, or parents. The bill requires background checks for all chaplains, prohibits individuals required to register as sex offenders from serving, and protects chaplains from liability unless actions were maliciously intended to harm. It allocates $500,000 from the state general fund for 2025-2027 to cover chaplain salaries, training, oversight, and program evaluation, with districts limited to $200,000 per school. The bill directly affects public school districts, chaplains, and students/staff seeking spiritual support, while exempting chaplains from standard education licensing requirements.

Relating to a prohibition on direct air carbon dioxide capture projects; to amend and reenact section 38‑08‑21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the authority of the industrial commission; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.