Sen. Bob Paulson

Maddy summaryHB 1194 amends section 12.1-11-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to providing false information or making false reports to law enforcement officials. The bill modifies the existing law regarding these actions and establishes or revises the penalties for individuals found guilty of such offenses. This directly affects individuals who interact with law enforcement by providing information, as well as the legal framework governing these interactions.

Relating to prohibiting approval voting and ranked‑choice voting in elections; and to amend and reenact subsection 7 of section 11‑09.1‑05 and subsection 9 of section 40‑05.1‑06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to home rule powers in counties and cities.

Maddy summaryHCR 3028 is a resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. It requires an assessment of current services, protections for victims from dangerous individuals, policies, data, and resource allocation to identify ways to help victims rebuild their lives. The study must include input from law enforcement, the Attorney General's office, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. Legislative Management will report findings and recommendations - including any needed legislation - to the next state legislature. This resolution does not change laws but directs a formal review of existing support systems.

Relating to the special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances and to driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances while being accompanied by a minor; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.

Maddy summaryHB 1527 would require all North Dakota public school districts to include Holocaust education in their U.S. history curriculum. The bill mandates that this education cover specific topics like the causes of the Holocaust, history of antisemitism, resistance efforts, U.S. involvement, and connections between intolerance and historical events. School districts must implement grade-appropriate lessons meeting these requirements, and the state superintendent must submit an annual report to the governor and legislature on compliance. This bill directly affects K-12 schools and students across North Dakota, aiming to ensure consistent educational content about the Holocaust. The bill failed to pass in April 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 24 against.

Relating to pretrial appraisals; and to amend and reenact section 38‑11.1‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the recovery of attorney's fees in an action relating to oil and gas production.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution encourages North Dakota's State Treasurer and State Investment Board to consider allocating portions of three specific state funds - the general fund, budget stabilization fund, and legacy fund - toward investments in digital assets (like cryptocurrencies) and precious metals. It cites inflation concerns and the need for investment diversification to protect the state's financial resources. The resolution is non-binding and serves only as a recommendation to the Treasurer and Board, not a mandate requiring specific investment actions. It does not alter existing investment rules or create new state obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 amends North Dakota Century Code section 28-32-18 to modify the administrative rules committee's authority to void agency rules. The bill directly affects the committee and state agencies that create administrative rules by changing the process for voiding those rules. It specifies new procedures for the committee's power to invalidate rules but does not alter the substantive content of agency regulations. This is a procedural change to administrative rule review processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1602 changes North Dakota's public employee retirement system by closing the traditional defined benefit plan to new hires starting January 1, 2025. Instead, new permanent employees (excluding those in specific exception roles like teachers, law enforcement, or university staff) must join a defined contribution retirement plan. Existing members who joined before 2025 remain in the defined benefit plan, and political subdivisions (like cities or counties) may choose whether to participate in the new defined contribution plan. The bill clarifies that local governments are not required to offer either retirement plan, and no fees apply if they withdraw from the defined contribution system.

Maddy summaryHB 1504 amends North Dakota's veterans' postwar trust fund to clarify its permanent status and management. It requires all investment income from the fund to be used exclusively for veteran programs or services, with funds automatically appropriated to the veterans' affairs committee for the following biennium. The bill adds a new provision allowing veterans' organizations (as defined in state law) to donate funds specifically for programs preventing and eliminating veteran homelessness. These changes ensure the fund's resources directly support veterans' needs through established administrative channels.