Sen. Mark Weber

Maddy summaryBased on the provided title and abstract, HB 1280 relates to the maintenance of drainage projects in North Dakota. The bill specifically proposes to amend and reenact section 61-16.1-45 of the North Dakota Century Code. The provided context does not offer further details on the specific changes or mechanisms the bill introduces regarding drainage project maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 requires that 15% of mule deer licenses available for the regular gun season in the previous year must be reserved for nonresident hunters using bows. This law directly affects nonresident hunters seeking to hunt mule deer in North Dakota with bow and arrow equipment. The key provision mandates this specific reservation percentage for mule deer licenses, applying to the licenses made available for the regular gun season. The bill amends North Dakota Century Code section 20.1-03-11 to implement this change, which was signed into law in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 requires political campaigns, committees, and parties to prominently display "This content generated by artificial intelligence" in any political communication (including ads, social media, or digital content) created using AI tools. It applies to all AI-generated content - such as images, videos, or text - used for political purposes like supporting candidates or influencing ballot measures. The law defines "artificial intelligence" as systems creating digital content based on human objectives or data patterns, excluding simple rule-based programs. Signed into law by the Governor on April 10, 2025, this disclosure requirement directly affects political actors using AI in election-related communications.

Maddy summarySB 2325 requires property owners granting nonfederal easements on North Dakota wetlands to first obtain a verified "ordinary high water mark" determination from the Department of Water Resources or a federal agency. Existing easements granted before August 1, 2025, must also get this verification by that date. Easement holders must record the easement, water mark determination, and a map with the county recorder. If water levels exceed the marked high water level, the easement holder is liable for civil damages to affected crops, roads, rail infrastructure, or private property.

Maddy summarySB 2138 allocates $250,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for grants to organizations providing care for elderly residents in rural areas. The funding is designated for the 2025-2027 biennium to support these providers directly. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, and specifically targets rural care organizations. The bill was signed into law on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 modifies North Dakota law governing bridges and culverts over drainage systems that intersect roads. It requires the water resource board to construct bridges/culverts for private land access, with costs shared between the board and land districts, and mandates counties to maintain these structures with 40% cost responsibility. For state highway culverts crossing drains spanning three or more counties, the bill requires installation of control valve systems to manage water flow. This bill directly affects counties, water resource boards, and land districts responsible for drainage infrastructure maintenance and costs.

Relating to conservation easements and leaseholds; and to amend and reenact sections 4.1‑01‑21, 4.1‑01‑21.1, and 49‑22‑09.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the federal environmental law impact review fund, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summarySB 2362 amends North Dakota's school accreditation rules to give public and nonpublic schools two accreditation choices: the state's defined process or nationally recognized accrediting organizations approved by the superintendent. The superintendent must establish a selection process involving education stakeholders (like school administrators and boards) and periodically review each option's effectiveness in improving student achievement. Schools can choose the option best matching their instructional goals, but all must meet state standards for education quality and provide measurable student outcome data. The law ensures accreditation directly supports state education goals while offering flexibility to schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 amends the definitions section of North Dakota law related to the Dry Pea and Lentil Council. It updates specific terminology used within the council's regulatory framework but does not introduce new policies or affect other groups. The bill focuses solely on clarifying or revising existing definitions for the council's operational purposes. As a definitional amendment, it has no direct impact on farmers, businesses, or the public beyond the council's internal use of terms. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2161 amends North Dakota law governing the barley council and wheat commission, primarily adjusting assessment rates for producers. It increases the barley assessment to 20-30 mills per bushel (with exemption for barley used as livestock feed) and sets the wheat assessment at 15-20 mills per bushel for wheat grown, delivered, or sold in the state. The bill also updates membership rules for the councils, including term limits and procedures for filling vacancies. These changes directly affect barley and wheat producers who sell their crops within North Dakota, as they will pay the updated assessments. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 18, 2025.