Sen. Kathy Hogan

Maddy summarySB 2255 amends North Dakota's Century Code to revise the qualifications, term length, and duties of the state health officer. The bill directly affects the state health officer position and the process for appointing and overseeing that role. Key provisions include updating the requirements for who can serve as health officer, the duration of their term, and the specific responsibilities they must perform. This procedural update refines the legal framework governing the position without altering the core public health functions of the role.

Maddy summarySB 2292 amends North Dakota law to update the reimbursement process for medical screenings and examinations following sexual assault. The bill revises subsection 3 of section 12.1-34-07 in the North Dakota Century Code. This change directly affects sexual assault victims in the state by modifying how their medical expenses related to the assault are handled. The key provision is the specific legal amendment to the reimbursement mechanism, though the exact procedural details are not specified in the provided abstract.

Maddy summarySB 2352 creates a new legal provision in North Dakota law authorizing children of incarcerated individuals to reside at the Heart River Correctional Center. This bill directly affects inmates' children and the correctional center by establishing a formal process for their residence there. The key mechanism is the addition of a specific subsection to the North Dakota Century Code (section 54-23.3-04) that authorizes this arrangement. The bill does not change existing policies but provides statutory authorization for an existing practice.

Maddy summarySB 2360 directs North Dakota's legislature to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim on developing geothermal energy within the state. The study must evaluate North Dakota's geology for geothermal potential, support startup companies in the sector, explore using geothermal energy in existing oil and gas wells, and identify other opportunities for geothermal development. It does not create new laws but requires the legislature to report findings and any needed legislation to the next legislative assembly. This study directly affects state lawmakers and future energy policy decisions, focusing on assessing feasibility before potential policy action.

Maddy summaryHB 1464 authorizes a legislative study to examine maternal care services. The bill directs a specific committee to conduct a management study on current maternal care systems and services. It does not create new policies or directly affect individuals; instead, it establishes a process for gathering information. The study's purpose is to assess how maternal care services are managed, though the bill does not specify the exact scope or outcomes of the review. (1 sentence, as it is procedural in nature).

Maddy summaryHB 1326 amends North Dakota's self-defense law to clarify that individuals cannot claim self-defense if they were unlawfully carrying a firearm at the time of an incident. Specifically, the bill adds that possessing a firearm in violation of state law (e.g., without a permit or due to a disqualifying offense) automatically disqualifies a person from using self-defense as a legal justification. This directly affects people who might otherwise argue self-defense while illegally holding a gun. The key provision (Section 12.1-05-03, subsection 3c) explicitly states that unlawful firearm possession negates self-defense claims during encounters involving imminent harm. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2191 authorizes a legislative study to examine health care services provided in local correctional facilities. The bill itself does not change existing policies or directly affect any individuals; it only creates a process for lawmakers to review current healthcare practices in jails. The study would assess how health care is delivered, potentially identifying gaps or inefficiencies. This is a procedural measure to gather information, not a policy change, and no specific mechanisms or outcomes are defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1543 authorizes a legislative study to examine federal prescription drug pricing mechanisms, specifically the maximum fair price set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Inflation Reduction Act. The study will analyze how federal drug pricing negotiations overlap with drugs covered by North Dakota's public employees retirement system to assess potential cost savings for the state and consumers. It requires input from the public employees retirement system, insurance commissioner, state pharmacy board, and other stakeholders. The legislative management must report findings and any recommended legislation to the next state legislative assembly.

Maddy summarySB 2140 amends North Dakota's dementia care program to expand support for individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The bill requires the state department to contract with private providers for a statewide program that identifies regional services, educates medical professionals and the public about dementia symptoms and early detection, assesses needs, and facilitates referrals to care. Key provisions include training for care providers, consultation services for clients and caregivers, and promoting awareness of treatments and research opportunities. This law directly affects dementia patients, their families, and regional human service centers across North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2231 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover specific dental and behavioral services, directly affecting recipients of medical assistance who need these services. The bill mandates coverage for family adaptive behavioral treatment guidance, dental screenings, dental case management for special populations (including children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), and asynchronous teledentistry to improve access. It explicitly states these new coverage requirements do not apply to Medicaid expansion programs for children and adults. The bill failed to pass in the Senate on March 27, 2025, with 33 votes in favor and 59 against.