Sen. Mike Wobbema

Maddy summaryHB 1609 would create an alternative path to take the North Dakota bar exam, allowing applicants without a law degree to qualify by completing 2,000 hours of supervised legal work under a licensed attorney or tribal advocate over five years, plus holding a four-year college degree. The program requires supervising attorneys to verify hours through written affidavits, and applicants could also qualify by serving as a state legislator for four or more years. This would directly affect aspiring lawyers seeking bar admission without traditional law school credentials. The bill, which failed to pass in February 2025, aims to expand access to legal licensure through practical experience.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 proposes a one-time $5 million appropriation from North Dakota's strategic investment fund to create a natural gas infrastructure grant program administered by the Industrial Commission. The program would provide grants exclusively to cities with populations under 10,000 for installing natural gas pipelines and related infrastructure. Funds are limited to the 2025-2027 biennium and cannot be used for other purposes, with the Industrial Commission responsible for setting eligibility rules and maximum grant amounts. The bill does not affect individuals or larger municipalities outside the specified population threshold.

Maddy summarySB 2392 would prohibit public colleges and universities in North Dakota from requiring certain "prohibited submissions" (like mandatory statements about personal identity characteristics) or "prohibited training" (such as mandatory diversity workshops) as conditions for employment, admission, graduation, or state financial aid. The bill defines prohibited practices as those promoting differential treatment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal identity characteristics, including policies labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI). Exceptions apply for requirements under federal law, and institutions must report any federal-mandated submissions to the state board of higher education. The law would take effect in 2026, with the board conducting biennial compliance reviews.

Relating to prohibiting a political subdivision from seizing personal property without notice; to amend and reenact section 12.1‑23‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to theft of property; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1276 clarifies that political organizations - including candidate committees, political action committees, and state political parties - may use net raffle proceeds for political purposes under North Dakota law. It amends a statute to explicitly state that "public-spirited use" includes political purposes for these organizations, removing ambiguity about fund usage. The bill specifies that such organizations must disclose their intended use of raffle income on permit applications, while other public-spirited groups remain restricted to non-political uses. This change directly affects political groups seeking to fund campaigns through raffles, aligning their permitted activities with existing definitions. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass in February 2025.

Relating to the installation of smart meters; and to amend and reenact section 49‑04.1‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to unauthorized metering.

Maddy summaryHB 1301 would require North Dakota courts to explicitly prohibit probationers from possessing firearms, destructive devices, or dangerous weapons as a standard condition of probation, except for specific first-time misdemeanor offenses under certain sections (like minor traffic violations or low-level drug offenses) if the court makes a documented finding of "good cause" to waive the ban. It also adds new probation conditions like community service, electronic monitoring, and strict rules against failing urine tests, while prohibiting firearm bans for most other misdemeanors. The bill applies to all probation sentences imposed after its effective date. This would directly affect individuals on probation for most crimes, limiting their access to firearms unless specific legal exceptions apply.

Maddy summaryHB 1544 amends North Dakota's drainage permit requirements to clarify rules for landowners installing drainage systems. It requires permits for draining water bodies with 80+ acres of watershed or smaller systems affecting downstream property, involving investigations to prevent flooding damage and flowage easements if needed. For smaller subsurface drainage systems (under 80 acres), landowners must notify downstream neighbors and water districts 60 days in advance, follow specific installation rules (like erosion controls), and may need full permits if objections are raised. The bill directly affects agricultural landowners installing drainage systems, with provisions applying only to land used for crops or grazing. It does not cover systems discharging into fully owned water bodies.

Maddy summarySB 2303 would create an education savings account program in North Dakota, using state funds to help eligible families pay for approved educational expenses. Eligible students include K-12 residents who qualify for public school, with funds deposited by the Bank of North Dakota (80% of per-pupil funding). Parents would receive these funds for approved expenses like tuition at participating private schools, approved tutoring, textbooks, college costs, or educational technology, but must agree not to enroll children in public schools. The program requires participating schools to meet safety and nondiscrimination standards, and unused funds carry forward annually.

Maddy summarySB 2301 would adjust North Dakota's homestead tax credit for qualifying seniors and permanently disabled residents. It changes income eligibility thresholds to 325% of federal poverty guidelines (up from $40,000) and increases the maximum credit from $9,000 to $13,500 based on household size. The bill also clarifies that the credit continues if a recipient resides in a care facility (like a nursing home) without renting their homestead. This would directly affect older adults and disabled residents meeting income limits, providing relief on property taxes for their primary homes. The proposed changes would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.