Sen. Terry Wanzek

Relating to restitution for the child of a victim of criminal vehicular homicide and conditions of probation; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑32‑06.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the extension of probation; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.

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 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 1551 creates new state regulations for products called "beneficial substances" (substances that improve plant or soil health without being pesticides or standard fertilizers). It requires sellers to label products with clear information like ingredients, usage instructions, and net weight, and to obtain a $100 distributor license for each location. Sellers must also pay $50 per product for registration and $10 or $0.20 per ton for inspections, with penalties for late fees. Certain common soil products like compost, mulch, and garden soil are exempt from full labeling rules. The law directly affects businesses selling these agricultural products in North Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 amends North Dakota's agriculture infrastructure grant program to specifically fund road and bridge improvements needed for value-added agriculture businesses. It directs the agriculture commissioner (with transportation department input) to award grants to counties, cities, and townships for projects like corridor upgrades on local roads or access road/bridge repairs serving these businesses. The bill directly affects local governments managing infrastructure and businesses processing agricultural products (like food manufacturing or packaging). Key provisions require grants to target infrastructure directly supporting value-added agriculture operations, not general road maintenance. This law, signed by the governor on March 24, 2025, clarifies and expands the program's focus.

Maddy summarySB 2161 amends North Dakota law governing the barley council and wheat commission, primarily adjusting assessment rates for producers. It increases the barley assessment to 20-30 mills per bushel (with exemption for barley used as livestock feed) and sets the wheat assessment at 15-20 mills per bushel for wheat grown, delivered, or sold in the state. The bill also updates membership rules for the councils, including term limits and procedures for filling vacancies. These changes directly affect barley and wheat producers who sell their crops within North Dakota, as they will pay the updated assessments. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 18, 2025.

Relating to designating the overpass on United States highway 52 as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to renewable electricity and recycled energy credits; and to repeal section 49‑02‑30 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to energy from hydroelectric facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill consolidates and updates the fee schedule for North Dakota driver's licenses and related services into a single section (39-06-49) of the Century Code. It directly affects all drivers applying for, renewing, or modifying licenses, including commercial drivers and those seeking endorsements. Key provisions include standardizing fees for commercial license applications ($15), endorsements ($3 each), nonresident commercial licenses ($20), and driving record requests ($3 for employers). The bill does not change the actual fee amounts but reorganizes where these fees are referenced in state law for clarity and administrative efficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 1232 amends North Dakota's definition of "residential property" for tax purposes. It specifically includes mobile homes (three or fewer) on a tract and vacant platted lots within city limits zoned for residential use. The bill excludes hotels/motels, buildings with four or more separate family units, and lots with four or more mobile homes. These changes would directly affect property tax assessments for affected properties and local assessors. The bill would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.