Sen. Jonathan Sickler

Relating to use of local jails or correctional facilities for inmates sentenced to the physical custody of the department of corrections and rehabilitation.

Maddy summarySB 2290 amends North Dakota law governing punitive damages (also called "exemplary damages"). It clarifies that courts or juries may only award these punitive damages when a defendant's conduct involves "oppression, fraud, or actual malice," proven by clear and convincing evidence. The bill sets strict procedural rules: a party must first file a motion with supporting evidence to seek punitive damages, and the award cannot exceed twice the compensatory damages or $250,000. It also prohibits punitive damages against manufacturers who complied with federal safety standards and adds specific rules for drunk driving cases involving recent DUI convictions. This law directly affects plaintiffs seeking punitive damages, defendants, and courts handling such claims in North Dakota.

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 1198 allows North Dakota park districts to join group purchasing agreements with the state or other local governments through a formal joint powers agreement. Specifically, it authorizes park district boards to participate in these cooperative buying arrangements, which can help reduce costs for shared goods and services. The bill does not apply to construction projects defined under state law. This change directly affects park districts by expanding their purchasing options under existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 1224 simplifies the process for inheriting small estates in North Dakota by allowing claimants to collect assets using a sworn affidavit instead of court-appointed probate. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from a deceased person when the total estate value (minus debts) is under $510,000. The bill requires a 30-day wait after death, an affidavit confirming the estate size and no pending court proceedings, and allows debtors or transfer agents to release assets directly to the claimant. This eliminates the need for formal probate court involvement for qualifying small estates.

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 summaryHB 1293 creates a North Dakota program providing small, durable medallions to identify veteran status on headstones or grave markers. It directly affects National Guard and National Guard Reserve members buried outside state veterans' cemeteries who do not qualify for existing state or federal medallions. The Department of Veterans' Affairs will administer the program, issuing these medallions as a way to honor veterans' service on their existing gravesites. The bill establishes this as a new policy under North Dakota law, effective after the Governor signed it on March 14, 2025.

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 summaryThis bill consolidates and updates the fee schedule for North Dakota driver's licenses and related services into a single section (39-06-49) of the Century Code. It directly affects all drivers applying for, renewing, or modifying licenses, including commercial drivers and those seeking endorsements. Key provisions include standardizing fees for commercial license applications ($15), endorsements ($3 each), nonresident commercial licenses ($20), and driving record requests ($3 for employers). The bill does not change the actual fee amounts but reorganizes where these fees are referenced in state law for clarity and administrative efficiency.

Maddy summarySB 2285 would require North Dakota courts to interpret state laws, regulations, and rules without deferring to administrative agencies' interpretations. It directly affects state agencies (like environmental or health departments) that create regulations and courts that review those regulations. The bill's key provision mandates that after applying standard interpretation rules, courts must resolve any remaining ambiguity against increasing agency authority. The bill failed to pass in the Senate in March 2025, with 31 votes in favor and 57 against.