Sen. Don Schaible

Maddy summarySenate Bill 2241 proposes creating a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code to authorize and administer public charter schools. This bill establishes the framework for how these new types of public schools can be formed and operated within the state, directly affecting students, parents, and educational institutions. It outlines the processes for their authorization and ongoing management. Additionally, the legislation requires a report from legislative management concerning these new provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2158 amends North Dakota law concerning the financial assets of school districts. It specifically addresses how any remaining "unobligated cash balance" - money left after a district's debts are paid - is distributed when a school district is dissolved. These amendments will clarify the process for allocating these surplus funds, impacting dissolved districts and the entities designated to receive their remaining assets.

Maddy summaryHB 1408 amends North Dakota's law governing when the legislature reconvenes after its regular session ends. The bill changes the schedule for annual legislative reconvening, sets an effective date for the change, and includes an expiration date after which the old rules would resume. This procedural bill affects how the North Dakota Legislature organizes its meeting schedule, specifically altering the timing for mandatory annual reconvened sessions. It does not change substantive laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHCR 3010 is a procedural resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study whether lawmakers should routinely review existing state and federal laws before drafting new legislation. It specifically aims to prevent duplication of current laws and assess how new proposals might interact with existing regulations. The resolution requires Legislative Management to report findings and any necessary legislation to the next legislative session. This bill does not create new law but directs an internal review process for future lawmaking. The resolution failed to pass during its second reading on April 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1098 amends North Dakota's scholarship program for students pursuing teaching careers by updating the terms under Section 15.1-21-02.10 of the North Dakota Century Code. The bill revises eligibility requirements and funding details for undergraduate students training to become teachers. It directly affects North Dakota residents enrolled in teaching-focused degree programs. The bill also declares an emergency to expedite its implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 would require human service zones in North Dakota to mandate drug testing for parents whose drug use contributed to a child's out-of-home placement (e.g., foster care). Parents would need to pass a test before resuming unsupervised visits with their child, with additional testing allowed for safety planning. The bill excludes marijuana from this requirement and allocates $100,000 from the general fund for testing costs during the 2025-2027 biennium. This bill failed to pass in the legislature (6-39 vote) and remains a proposed measure, not current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 amends North Dakota's bonding election procedures by extending the required waiting period before a municipal bond election can be held. It changes the timeframe from a minimum of 26 days to 64 days after the governing body passes a bond resolution or a petition is filed by residents. This directly affects North Dakota municipalities planning to seek voter approval for infrastructure projects like roads or public facilities. The bill does not alter bond purposes or funding levels, only the timing of the election process.

Maddy summaryHB 1497 amends North Dakota law to adjust age requirements for four-year-old early childhood programs and update eligibility for the "Best in Class" program. It allows school districts to enroll children who turn four by December 1st (instead of August 1st) based on developmental assessments, directly affecting preschool programs and families of young children. To qualify for "Best in Class" designation, programs must meet specific standards including 400+ hours over 32 weeks, 10+ hours of family engagement, and quality benchmarks. The law affects school districts, early childhood providers, and families seeking program access or state-funded recognition.

Relating to health status exceptions for health care facilities; to amend and reenact sections 14‑02.4‑01, 14‑02.4‑02, 14‑02.4‑03, 14‑02.4‑04, 14‑02.4‑05, 14‑02.4‑06, 14‑02.4‑08, and 14‑02.4‑09, subsection 1 of section 14‑02.4‑14, subsection 1 of section 14‑02.4‑15, and sections 14‑02.4‑16 and 14‑02.4‑17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a new status related to human rights and antidiscrimination policies; and to provide an appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 2157 mandates a legislative study to examine creating a farm safety insurance discount program. The study will determine if farmers and ranchers could receive insurance premium discounts after completing a safety course, including developing course requirements, discount amounts, and eligibility criteria. It requires input from the insurance commissioner, agriculture commissioner, North Dakota State University extension, and agricultural insurance agencies. The study, to be completed by the 2025-26 interim, will report findings and proposed legislation to the next legislative assembly. This bill does not create the program itself but sets the groundwork for potential future policy.