Sen. Dale Patten

Relating to the definition of a pre-engineered structure and the threshold for procuring plans, drawings, and specifications from an architect or engineer for construction of a public improvement.

Relating to a housing development loan fund; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summarySB 2246 appropriates $49,500 from the general fund to the North Dakota Legislative Council for a one-time study on regenerative grazing. The bill directs a consultant to research the feasibility of creating a regenerative grazing ranch (focused on soil health and carbon absorption) and study how regenerative grazing practices affect carbon levels, rangeland productivity, and ranching sustainability. Key provisions require gathering scientific data, connecting ranchers with stakeholders, and identifying funding sources for carbon management practices. The study would involve input from the agriculture commissioner, mineral resources department, and ranching/energy industry stakeholders, with findings to be reported to the next legislative assembly. This bill does not create the ranch but examines whether it would benefit North Dakota's ranching and energy sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 would limit home rule counties and cities in North Dakota to a maximum 3% sales, use, or gross receipts tax rate after June 30, 2025. It prohibits new taxes or rate increases above 3% for existing local taxes after that date, though taxes approved before July 1, 2025, at higher rates could continue until their approved expiration period ended. The bill affects all counties and cities with home rule authority that levy these local taxes. It takes effect for taxable events occurring after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2197 would have allowed crossbow use during deer hunting seasons under specific license conditions in North Dakota. It would permit hunters with a deer gun license to use crossbows during deer gun season, and hunters over 75 with a deer bow license to use crossbows during deer bow season. The bill aimed to expand hunting options by aligning crossbow use with existing license types. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on January 27, 2025, with 15 votes in favor and 32 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1101 would have classified mitragynine (the active ingredient in kratom) as a Schedule I controlled substance under North Dakota law, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute. This change would directly affect individuals using kratom products and businesses selling them within the state. The bill proposed amending specific sections of the North Dakota Century Code to implement this scheduling change. The legislation failed to pass in the legislature, receiving 15 votes in favor and 77 against on January 15, 2025.

Relating to the infrastructure revolving loan fund and accrued and unpaid interest in western area water supply authority loans; to amend and reenact subsection 13 of section 61‑40‑05, and sections 61‑40‑09, 61‑40‑10, and 61‑40-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the oversight of the western area water supply authority and infrastructure revolving loan fund payments; and to provide an appropriation.

Relating to the state energy research center and the center's funding.

Relating to evaluation of economic development tax incentives and a sales and use tax exemption for raw materials, single‑use product contact systems, and reagents used for biologic manufacturing; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

Relating to notice requirements for construction manager at-risk contracts and state entities contracting for property management services; to amend and reenact section 54‑21‑24.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the lease of additional space by state agencies; and to provide for a legislative management study.