Sen. Dale Patten

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Dakota's gaming laws to eliminate dog racing by removing it from the definition of "racing" and prohibiting wagering on dog races under the certificate system. It updates licensing requirements for manufacturers and distributors of electronic pull tab devices, bingo systems, and other gaming equipment, imposing annual fees ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 with portions of fees directed to a charitable gaming technology fund. The bill directly affects gaming equipment manufacturers, distributors, and racetracks previously authorized for dog racing. Key mechanisms include revised licensing fees, restrictions on selling gaming equipment to unauthorized parties, and a ban on dog racing wagering.

Maddy summaryHB 1381 revises North Dakota's school funding formula to determine state aid for public school districts. It establishes a baseline funding amount using 2017-18 revenue data (including property taxes, tuition, mineral revenue, and other specific income sources) and calculates per-student funding based on this baseline. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the bill requires a 40% reduction in excess funding for districts exceeding the baseline, with annual reduction increases of 15% until the baseline per student matches the state's fixed payment rate. This affects all North Dakota public school districts by changing how their state aid is calculated and potentially reducing funding for those with higher historical revenue.

Maddy summarySB 2207 amends North Dakota law to explicitly include federally recognized tribal governments within state reservations in the exemption from motor vehicle excise tax. This change directly affects tribal governments operating vehicles on their reservations, ensuring vehicles owned or procured by them are exempt from the tax. The bill expands an existing exemption previously covering state/federal entities to specifically include tribal governments. It takes effect for taxable events after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2139 changes the fee for recording or rerecording livestock brands in North Dakota to $25.50 per application. This bill directly affects livestock owners who need to register or update brand markings on their animals. The key provision amends North Dakota Century Code section 4.1-73-14 to establish this specific fee amount. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2025, and filed with the Secretary of State on March 26, 2025. It represents a straightforward adjustment to administrative fees without altering livestock branding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1294 amends North Dakota's traffic code to adjust fees for moving violations, directly affecting drivers convicted of specific traffic offenses. It sets a base fee of $20 for most moving violations but increases fees for certain offenses, including $150 for a first violation of passing a stopped schoolbus (Section 39-10-46) and $750 for repeat violations within five years. The bill also specifies higher fees for other violations, such as $100 for speeding in school zones (Section 39-08-20) or $500 for certain commercial vehicle offenses (Section 39-10-59). These changes are codified in Sections 39-06.1-06, 39-10-46, and 39-10-46.1 of the North Dakota Century Code.

Maddy summarySB 2368 creates a state-administered grant program for infrastructure projects on North Dakota's national grasslands, directly benefiting cooperative grazing associations and their representative organizations. Grants fund specific improvements like water systems, fencing, conservation work, wildlife habitat enhancements, and carbon capture initiatives, all located on federally managed grasslands. Organizations receiving grants must provide a $1 nonstate match for every $4 in state funding and develop approved grazing land plans with local soil conservation districts. The agriculture commissioner will oversee the program, focusing on practical infrastructure upgrades to support sustainable grazing operations.

Relating to a county home rule charter and city home rule charter conforming with statute or court order; and to amend and reenact sections 11‑09.1‑06 and 40‑05.1‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the amendment or repeal of a county and city home rule charter.

Maddy summaryHB 1522 allows North Dakota cities to permit golf carts on city streets through local ordinances, directly affecting city residents and golf cart owners. The law restricts operation to daytime travel between a resident's home and a golf course, prohibits use on federal/state/county highways (except perpendicular crossings), and exempts compliant golf carts from standard vehicle registration, title, and equipment requirements. This policy change gives cities flexibility to regulate low-speed vehicle use while maintaining safety standards on local roads.

Maddy summaryHB 1153 clarifies what counts as "excavation" under North Dakota's one-call notice system, specifically adding detailed exclusions to the definition. It exempts certain activities from requiring the notice, including most agricultural work (like plowing under 18 inches deep), cemetery grave openings, and routine road maintenance (like gravel road repairs not involving ditches). This directly affects construction crews, utility workers, farmers, and landscapers who perform ground-disturbing work but fall under these exemptions. The bill changes compliance requirements by removing the need for one-call notices for these specific, low-risk activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1539 amends North Dakota law to clarify definitions and set procedures for "backup electric generation" - temporary, non-grid-connected power systems used to replace primary generation during outages. It requires utilities to submit written certifications to the Public Service Commission before construction activities, confirming the work won't affect protected areas and complies with existing siting rules. This applies specifically to temporary power systems (e.g., during power emergencies) and affects utilities building or modifying such infrastructure. The law standardizes the approval process for construction near designated avoidance areas.