Sen. Bob Paulson

Maddy summaryHCR 3026 is a symbolic resolution passed by the North Dakota legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to pursue diplomatic talks for Greenland’s peaceful annexation as a U.S. territory. It cites Greenland’s strategic Arctic location, natural resources, and existing U.S.-Greenland cooperation (like Thule Air Base) as justification, though Greenland is currently an autonomous territory within Denmark. The resolution requests diplomatic engagement with Greenland and Denmark to explore voluntary integration while respecting Greenlandic rights. It failed to advance in the North Dakota Senate (36-54 vote against adoption) and has no legal effect, as it is a non-binding request for federal action.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 would establish a legal presumption that shared parenting (joint decisionmaking on major issues like education and health, plus approximately equal time with each parent) serves children's best interests in custody cases. This presumption applies unless a court finds specific exceptions, such as evidence of child harm, domestic violence involving serious injury or weapons, or sexual abuse. The bill requires courts to document specific reasons when overriding this presumption and mandates supervised parenting time for abusive parents in domestic violence cases. It directly affects parents in custody disputes and North Dakota courts handling parental rights decisions.

Maddy summarySB 2361 prohibits foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations) from purchasing or owning real property in North Dakota after July 31, 2023, directly affecting foreign governments and businesses meeting the "foreign adversary" criteria. The bill bans county and city governments from approving development agreements with such entities and requires foreign adversaries violating the law to divest all property within 36 months, with civil penalties up to $25,000 for non-compliance. Exceptions apply to entities registered for seven+ years, approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), and holding active national security agreements with the federal government. The law includes enforcement mechanisms allowing state attorneys to initiate court actions for divestment and public sales of non-compliant property. This bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 would establish a framework for certified chaplains in North Dakota public schools, allowing school districts to hire or volunteer certified chaplains (defined as those certified by national/state organizations or endorsed by religious groups) to provide support to students, staff, or parents. The bill requires background checks for all chaplains, prohibits individuals required to register as sex offenders from serving, and protects chaplains from liability unless actions were maliciously intended to harm. It allocates $500,000 from the state general fund for 2025-2027 to cover chaplain salaries, training, oversight, and program evaluation, with districts limited to $200,000 per school. The bill directly affects public school districts, chaplains, and students/staff seeking spiritual support, while exempting chaplains from standard education licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 would remove carbon dioxide pipelines from being classified as "common pipeline carriers" under North Dakota law. This change directly affects owners and operators of CO2 pipelines by exempting them from requirements to transport any customer's CO2 without discrimination at set rates. The bill amends sections 49-19-01, 49-19-11, and 49-19-19 of the North Dakota Century Code to exclude CO2 pipelines from the definition and rules governing common carriers. This policy shift modifies how CO2 pipeline operations are regulated, separating them from traditional oil/gas pipeline common carrier obligations.

Relating to reporting the ultimate and true source of funds; to amend and reenact sections 16.1‑08.1‑01 and 16.1‑10‑04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to political advertisements and reporting the ultimate and true sources of funds; to repeal section 16.1‑08.1‑08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to identifying the ultimate and true source of funds; and to provide a penalty.

Relating to eliminating foreclosure of tax liens for residential property and collection of delinquent real property and special assessment taxes; to amend and reenact sections 40‑25‑03, 57‑02‑08.9, 57‑02‑08.10, 57‑20‑26, and 57‑22‑22, subsection 1 of section 57‑38.3‑02, sections 57‑45‑12, 61‑01‑21, 61‑09‑15, 61‑16.1‑31, 61‑24.8‑40, and 61‑35‑87, relating to the primary residence credit, setoff of income tax refunds for payment of delinquent real property and special assessment taxes, and eliminating foreclosure of tax liens for primary residential property; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 1145 requires all North Dakota state colleges and public school classrooms to display the full text of the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document measuring at least 11x14 inches, centered with a large readable font. The bill mandates this display in every classroom and building under state educational institutions and school districts, specifying the exact wording and physical requirements. It allows schools to use public funds or donated funds to purchase these displays. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but failed to pass during its second reading on February 12, 2025, with 38 votes in favor and 53 against.

Maddy summarySB 2300 would require North Dakota public schools to provide secure containers for students to store personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or smartwatches) during the school day. Students must turn off and place devices in these containers upon arrival, with exceptions for documented medical needs. The bill allocates $1.89 million to fund the secure containers for the 2025-2027 biennium. It directly affects all K-12 students and schools in North Dakota, mandating a specific storage process during school hours.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 would limit annual increases in property taxes for residential homeowners in North Dakota by capping tax valuations at the average of the previous three years' values. Exceptions allow reassessment if property was previously untaxed, sold/transfered, or underwent significant improvements (not including routine maintenance or standard repairs after damage). The bill directly affects residential property owners by preventing sudden tax hikes from normal market value changes. It would take effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, and prohibits local governments from overriding these rules under home rule authority.