Sen. Mike Wobbema

Maddy summarySB 2239 establishes a state-funded apprenticeship grant program in North Dakota. The program would provide financial assistance to both apprentices and employers participating in approved apprenticeship training. This bill creates a new funding mechanism within the state code and includes a specific appropriation to support the program's implementation.

Maddy summarySB 2278 requires a legislative study during the 2025-26 interim to examine whether state libraries (including the state library and university libraries) should be mandated to retain original versions of books when publishers update content to be more "socially progressive," "politically correct," or "inclusive." The study must analyze the feasibility of this requirement, assess how artificial intelligence affects library material retention and updates, and evaluate the impact of such updates on original texts. It does not change current library policies but aims to inform potential future legislation. The study will report findings and recommendations to the 2027 legislative assembly.

Relating to parental involvement in a child's education; and to amend and reenact section 14‑09‑32.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a parent's interest in a child's upbringing.

Maddy summarySB 2357 proposes a legislative study to examine whether merging five separate mental health licensing boards (for psychologists, social workers, addiction counselors, counselors, and marriage/family therapists) into a single "composite board" would be feasible, beneficial, and address challenges. The bill would amend North Dakota law to create a new structure for this unified board while repealing existing statutes governing the five individual boards. This study would directly affect mental health professionals seeking or renewing licenses in these fields, as well as the state agencies managing their licensing. The bill does not create the board itself but authorizes an assessment to determine if consolidation is warranted.

Maddy summarySB 2199 would create a new rule in North Dakota law allowing disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (verified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs) to receive a deer hunting license automatically. The bill directly affects qualifying disabled veterans by removing them from the standard lottery system for deer licenses. Under this proposed change, these veterans would be entitled to a license without competing in the annual drawing, streamlining access to hunting opportunities. This is a specific policy change to license eligibility, not a broader hunting regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 1338 requires North Dakota's Department of Health and Human Services to determine if an individual involved in a child abuse or neglect allegation is military-connected during investigations. If the individual is military-affiliated, the department must notify the nearest military installation's family advocacy program about the case. This directly affects military-connected parents, guardians, or caregivers in child welfare cases across the state. The law creates a specific procedural step to coordinate child welfare investigations with military support services.

Maddy summarySB 2242, now law after being signed by the Governor on March 20, 2025, directs North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study of state higher education institutions during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The study will examine efficiency, dual-credit programs, tuition costs, uniform transcripts, credit transfers, and potential consolidation or satellite campuses. It does not change current policies but will produce recommendations for future legislation to address these areas. The study committee will include bipartisan legislative members and representatives from higher education, K-12, and key industries.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 amends North Dakota law to increase the maximum total loan amount available through the veterans' aid fund from $5,000 to $50,000 for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. The bill directly affects North Dakota veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses who are state residents and citizens, allowing them to receive multiple loans totaling up to $50,000. Key provisions clarify that additional loans may be issued if the applicant meets ongoing eligibility criteria, with all loans consolidated into a single payment. The changes streamline access to financial assistance for qualifying veterans while maintaining the fund's purpose of providing aid through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Maddy summaryHB 1148 designates May as Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation on May 1st. The proclamation honors both current and former U.S. military personnel for their service and sacrifices in defending the nation. This law directly affects state recognition practices and the governor's annual ceremonial duties, without altering military benefits or policies. It establishes a formal, yearly observance to acknowledge military contributions within North Dakota.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges Congress to provide medical coverage for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans with traumatic brain injuries or PTSD. It directly affects veterans who currently rely on long-term medications for symptoms, as the resolution highlights hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a promising treatment alternative. The resolution does not create new policy but formally requests federal action to cover this specific therapy under veterans' healthcare. It was adopted by North Dakota's legislature and sent to Congress for consideration.