Sen. Terry Wanzek

Maddy summarySB 2394 would establish new rules for homeowner associations in North Dakota, requiring them to adopt specific bylaws governing operations and board management. Key provisions include mandating annual budgets, formal reserve funds for future repairs (like roof replacements or pavement work), and quarterly board meetings with detailed financial disclosures to members. The bill directly affects property owners within these associations, requiring them to carry adequate insurance and providing members a 30-day response window for written inquiries. It also sets spending limits (requiring two board signatures for expenses over $10,000) and annual insurance updates to cover property replacement costs.

Maddy summarySB 2142 would redirect 25% of North Dakota's motor vehicle excise tax revenue to a new "township road and bridge sustainability fund" instead of previous allocations. This fund would provide annual payments to non-oil-producing counties for road and bridge projects in eligible townships, based on road miles. To qualify, townships must submit annual certifications showing road miles, township funds, and local tax rates, while excluding those that didn't maintain roads or met other criteria. The bill specifies that funds must be used solely for road and bridge construction, maintenance, or repairs. It would take effect for taxes collected after July 31, 2025, if passed.

Relating to a county and township bridge fund and a legacy earnings tax relief fund; to amend and reenact section 21‑10‑13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summaryHB 1513 amends North Dakota law to require municipalities to notify property owners when sidewalks need construction, repair, or rebuilding. It mandates that notices must specify the required work, its character, and give owners at least two years and six months to complete it at their own expense, with work needing approval from the street commissioner or city engineer. Notices must be delivered via certified mail, in-person, or posting on vacant land, and if owners fail to act, the municipality will complete the work and bill the owner through a sidewalk fund. This directly affects property owners whose lots benefit from sidewalk improvements.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1490 requires North Dakota school counselors to undergo periodic psychological evaluations by licensed psychologists to ensure they can safely and effectively provide student services. The bill mandates that counselors must obtain documentation from a psychologist confirming they lack conditions impairing their ability to work with students, with evaluations valid for two years. This applies specifically to licensed school counselors working in North Dakota public schools. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 19, 2025, with 18 votes in favor and 74 against.

Relating to a life science research council; to repeal section 4.1‑01‑20.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the bioscience innovation grant program; to provide a report; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 updates North Dakota's special registration for farm and forestry vehicles by clarifying definitions and revising fee structures. It defines "farm vehicles" as trucks/trailers under 105,500 lbs used exclusively for farm operations (not commercial business) and creates a separate "forestry vehicle" category for forestry-related work. The bill establishes a tiered fee schedule based on vehicle weight and years registered, with lower rates for qualifying vehicles compared to commercial rates. This directly affects North Dakota farmers and forestry business owners who register eligible heavy-duty vehicles for non-commercial farm or forestry use.

Relating to the statewide property tax levy of one mill for support of the state medical center at the University of North Dakota; and to provide an effective date.

Relating to the determination of state aid payments, state aid minimum local effort, the protection of taxpayers and taxing districts, voter approval of excess levies in school districts, school district levies, and information displayed on property tax statements; to repeal sections 15.1‑27‑04.3, 15.1‑27‑15.1, and 15.1‑27‑20.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to adjustments to state aid payments, isolated school district transition payments, and taxable valuation impact on state aid; and to provide an effective date.