Sen. Kristin Roers

Maddy summaryHB 1177 amends North Dakota's public employees retirement system definition to include correctional officers who are enrolled in, but have not yet completed, a state-approved training course. This change directly affects correctional facility workers in North Dakota who are currently in training for their roles. The key provision expands eligibility for retirement benefits to these trainees by adding them to the official definition of "correctional officer" under the retirement system code. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility for already certified officers.

Maddy summaryHB 1142 amends North Dakota law to adjust annual liability caps for political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) when sued for negligence. It increases the maximum payout per person from $406,250 (effective July 2023) to $500,000 by July 2026, with corresponding increases for total claims per incident. The bill also clarifies that political subdivisions are generally not liable for discretionary decisions, public duty performance (like inspections or law enforcement), or certain road maintenance. These changes apply to claims arising from single incidents involving government entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1267 amends North Dakota's optometry licensure laws to clarify the scope of practice for optometrists. It explicitly defines "optometric services" to include prescribing certain eye-related medications (like diagnostic dyes and topical treatments) while prohibiting laser therapy and surgery except for removing superficial foreign bodies. The bill also establishes requirements for telemedicine providers ("distant site providers") to hold an active state license and defines key terms like "diagnosis and treatment" to ensure consistency. These changes directly affect optometrists, their practices, and the state licensing board, updating administrative rules and fee structures for licensure.

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 summaryHB 1217 repeals North Dakota's section 12.1-20-17 of the Century Code, which previously made it a crime to willfully transfer body fluids containing HIV. This procedural bill removes an existing criminal penalty related to HIV transmission through body fluids. The repeal directly affects individuals who might have faced prosecution under this specific law. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2386 amends North Dakota's cottage food law to restrict how small-scale food businesses can sell products. It prohibits interstate sales, internet/phone/mail transactions, and the sale of uninspected meat or poultry products, with specific limits for poultry: operators may slaughter no more than 1,000 birds yearly, cannot buy/sell outside their own production, and must ensure products are non-adulterated. This directly affects cottage food operators who sell homemade food, limiting their sales channels and product types. The law, signed by the governor on March 20, 2025, clarifies regulatory boundaries for these small businesses.

Maddy summarySB 2175 requires North Dakota counties to conduct mandatory pre-election testing of voting systems at least one week before each election, using preaudited ballots to verify accuracy and detect errors. It also mandates random post-election audits in each county within six to eight days after voting, reviewing results from federal, statewide, legislative, and county contests. These audits must be performed by appointed election boards using logic and accuracy testing procedures, with results submitted to the Secretary of State for public reporting. The law directly affects county auditors, election officials, and the Secretary of State’s office, ensuring transparency in election results verification. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1253 amends North Dakota law to clarify the attorney general's authority to impose fines for gaming violations. It directly affects licensed gaming organizations (including charities operating as agents), distributors, manufacturers, and authorized site owners who fail to comply with gaming rules. The bill establishes specific fine tiers: minimum $25 (up to 2% of quarterly revenue) for organizations, $100 for distributors, $500 for manufacturers, and $250 for site owners, with fines potentially replacing license suspensions or revocations. These provisions create clear, structured penalties instead of vague prior language.

Maddy summarySB 2358 allows rural ambulance district boards of directors in North Dakota to set compensation rates for their members, removing the previous restriction that required them to serve without pay (except for the secretary-treasurer). This change directly affects rural ambulance district boards across the state, enabling them to pay board members based on locally determined rates. The bill also clarifies that no more than two board members may be employees of the licensed ambulance service operating in the district, and those members must qualify as volunteers under state law. The policy update modifies existing law to provide flexibility in board compensation while maintaining representation rules.

Relating to information required in applications for professional employer services licensure, confidential records maintained by the secretary of state, notification provided to and fees charged by a notary public, notification provided to the registrant of a trade name, and fees charged by the secretary of state; and to provide a penalty.