Sen. Kathy Hogan

Maddy summaryHB 1349 proposes capping noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in North Dakota health care malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 initially, with scheduled annual increases to $1.5 million (2026), $2 million (2027), and $2.5 million (2028). It directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and healthcare providers facing such lawsuits, while exempting claims involving unborn fetuses. The bill requires courts to reduce jury awards to meet the cap without informing juries of the limit. The legislation failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on February 7, 2025, with 30 votes in favor and 61 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1521 would exempt enrolled members of federally recognized North Dakota tribes residing on tribal reservations from the state's motor vehicle excise tax. To qualify, individuals must provide proof of tribal enrollment and live within reservation boundaries (primary residence on reservation is required). The exemption applies retroactively to vehicle purchases after June 30, 2023, and the bill declares an emergency. This change directly affects tribal members living on reservations by removing a state tax on their vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 2284 would amend North Dakota adoption laws to improve access to birth records for adopted individuals and their biological relatives. It allows adopted adults aged 18+ to request identifying information about their biological parents or siblings, and permits biological parents (once the adopted person turns 21) or biological siblings to request information about the adopted person. Agencies must make reasonable efforts to notify relevant parties and handle requests within 90 days, requiring consent before disclosing identifying information. Nonidentifying information, such as medical history, would also be available to adoptive parents, adopted adults, and birth parents upon written request and payment of a reasonable fee.

Maddy summarySB 2283 requires agricultural landowners to notify water resource boards and downstream neighbors before installing subsurface drainage systems covering less than 80 acres. It mandates specific installation standards (like 25-foot setbacks from drains, erosion controls, and pump shutdowns during floods) and creates a 30-day objection period for neighbors. If objections are filed, the system owner must apply for a permit; otherwise, mediation is required before lawsuits over drainage damage can proceed. Violations would be punishable as infractions. The bill applies only to agricultural drainage systems and excludes privately owned water bodies.

Maddy summarySB 2318 would have required North Dakota's Medicaid program to create paid family caregiver services for eligible individuals in home and community-based waiver programs (excluding the aged and disabled waiver). It would have mandated payments to legally responsible family caregivers at rates matching professional direct support wages, capped at 40 hours per week, and required an evidence-based assessment considering individual needs like medical care and social circumstances. The bill also specified that an advisory council must review the program's design and assessment methods. However, the bill was introduced on January 20, 2025, and withdrawn the same day without committee action.

Relating to early childhood services and child care assistance; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.

Relating to criminal history record checks; and to provide an appropriation.

Relating to a dual special needs plan for Medicaid; and to provide an appropriation.

Relating to the infrastructure revolving loan fund, the legacy and budget stabilization fund advisory board, and legacy fund definitions; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to the task force on guardianship monitoring to promote the accountability of all guardians; to amend and reenact subsection 4 of section 43‑41‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the licensure of social workers; and to provide an appropriation.