Sen. Don Schaible

Maddy summarySB 2362 amends North Dakota's school accreditation rules to give public and nonpublic schools two accreditation choices: the state's defined process or nationally recognized accrediting organizations approved by the superintendent. The superintendent must establish a selection process involving education stakeholders (like school administrators and boards) and periodically review each option's effectiveness in improving student achievement. Schools can choose the option best matching their instructional goals, but all must meet state standards for education quality and provide measurable student outcome data. The law ensures accreditation directly supports state education goals while offering flexibility to schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1131 allows North Dakota farms to sell raw milk directly to consumers for personal use but prohibits selling it to wholesalers, retail stores, or donating it. It specifically bans raw milk sales involving interstate commerce or mass distribution, restricting transactions to direct farm-to-consumer sales within the state. The bill exempts these direct sales from other dairy regulations in North Dakota law, including chapters covering dairy product standards and food safety. This law directly affects dairy farms seeking to sell raw milk products while clarifying legal boundaries for such transactions.

Maddy summarySB 2149 updates North Dakota's School Construction Assistance Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Bank of North Dakota, to provide low-interest loans for public school construction and remodeling projects. It sets maximum loan amounts: up to $15 million for projects under $75 million (or 80% of cost if district funds exceed limits), up to $30 million for larger projects, and up to $20 million for projects on air force bases. The bill requires school districts to meet specific eligibility criteria, including project cost thresholds ($1 million minimum), approval from the superintendent, community voting, and prioritization based on student needs, building age, and safety. Loans carry a 2% interest rate with a 20-year term, and the fund is replenished by repayments to support future school construction.

Maddy summaryHB 1177 amends North Dakota's public employees retirement system definition to include correctional officers who are enrolled in, but have not yet completed, a state-approved training course. This change directly affects correctional facility workers in North Dakota who are currently in training for their roles. The key provision expands eligibility for retirement benefits to these trainees by adding them to the official definition of "correctional officer" under the retirement system code. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility for already certified officers.

Maddy summaryHCR 3008 designates Chuck Suchy as North Dakota's first state troubadour for a five-year term, recognizing his decades of work as a folk musician preserving the state's musical heritage. The resolution honors his contributions to celebrating North Dakota's agricultural roots, Native American heritage, and natural beauty through song. This is a ceremonial honor with no legal effect - it does not create new laws, alter regulations, or impact any individuals or groups beyond the symbolic recognition of Suchy's cultural work. The title follows North Dakota's tradition of honoring arts contributors, and the resolution expresses legislative appreciation for his role in advancing the state's cultural identity.

Maddy summaryHB 1328 amends North Dakota law to change how schools and law enforcement refer students for minor offenses to juvenile court. It requires schools to first try disciplinary measures (like counseling or suspensions) before referring students for non-serious offenses on school property, unless the offense involves drugs, violence, sex crimes, or weapons. The bill also updates the definition of "custodian" to include school staff with legal responsibility for a child. These changes directly affect school officials, law enforcement, and students in North Dakota schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1252 creates a dedicated tribal health care coordination fund in North Dakota's state treasury, providing ongoing state funding to tribal governments for public health services. Funds are distributed based on each tribe's federal care coordination funding, with strict requirements: tribes must use funds for core public health services (limiting capital construction to 50% until 2027, then 35%), submit annual reports, and undergo biennial independent audits. The state department of health withholds funds for missing reports or improper use, and can restore distributions once compliance is verified. This bill directly affects North Dakota's tribal nations by establishing formalized, accountable funding for health programs aligned with federal public health priorities.

Maddy summarySB 2135 amends North Dakota law to increase the biennial funding transfer to the firefighters' death benefits fund from $50,125 to $50,125 (correcting a typo in the bill text) and sets a $10,025 payment for survivors of firefighters who died while performing duties. The bill requires fire department chiefs or their designees to verify line-of-duty deaths before payments are made. It directly affects surviving family members of deceased firefighters and the state insurance commissioner who manages the fund. The changes became law after being signed by the governor on March 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1397 designates "Dancing Dakota" (written by Chuck Suchy) as North Dakota's official state waltz and creates a process for appointing a state troubadour. The bill requires the North Dakota Council on the Arts chairman to appoint an individual to serve a five-year term as state troubadour, with vacancies filled by the chairman for the remaining term. This bill directly affects North Dakota's cultural identity by formally recognizing a specific musical piece and establishing a role for a state troubadour. It has no regulatory or financial impact, as it solely concerns ceremonial designations.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 requires county superintendents of schools in North Dakota to preserve all official records with educational value or that document their official actions. Upon leaving their position, they must transfer these records to their successor. The bill amends existing law to clarify and update these record-keeping duties. This directly affects county school administrators, ensuring continuity in preserving important educational and administrative documents.