Sen. Sean Cleary

Maddy summarySCR 4027 proposes a constitutional amendment to North Dakota's Constitution, specifically amending Section 25 of Article XI. It would prohibit using proceeds from charitable gaming (like raffles or lotteries run by nonprofits) or state lotteries to fund political campaigns, candidates, ballot measures, or political organizations. This directly affects nonprofit groups - such as charities, veterans' organizations, schools, and religious groups - that currently operate games of chance to raise funds for public-spirited causes. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1543 authorizes a legislative study to examine federal prescription drug pricing mechanisms, specifically the maximum fair price set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Inflation Reduction Act. The study will analyze how federal drug pricing negotiations overlap with drugs covered by North Dakota's public employees retirement system to assess potential cost savings for the state and consumers. It requires input from the public employees retirement system, insurance commissioner, state pharmacy board, and other stakeholders. The legislative management must report findings and any recommended legislation to the next state legislative assembly.

Relating to volunteer licenses; and to amend and reenact sections 43‑20‑01.1, 43‑20‑01.2, 43‑20‑01.3, 43‑20‑01.4, 43‑20‑03, 43‑20‑05, 43‑20‑12, 43‑20‑12.3, 43‑20‑13, 43‑20‑13.1, and 43‑20‑13.2, subsection 6 of section 43‑28‑02, section 43‑28‑03, subsection 5 of section 43‑28‑04, sections 43‑28‑05, 43‑28‑06, 43‑28‑08, 43‑28‑11, 43‑28‑13, 43‑28‑15, 43‑28‑16.2, and 43‑28‑18, subsection 1 of section 43‑28‑18.1, and sections 43‑28‑18.2 and 43‑28‑18.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the licensing and practice of dental hygienists and dentists, and the board of dental examiners.

Relating to exempt sales from educational, religious, or charitable activities conducted by a nonprofit organization in a publicly or privately owned facility; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summarySB 2140 amends North Dakota's dementia care program to expand support for individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The bill requires the state department to contract with private providers for a statewide program that identifies regional services, educates medical professionals and the public about dementia symptoms and early detection, assesses needs, and facilitates referrals to care. Key provisions include training for care providers, consultation services for clients and caregivers, and promoting awareness of treatments and research opportunities. This law directly affects dementia patients, their families, and regional human service centers across North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2290 amends North Dakota law governing punitive damages (also called "exemplary damages"). It clarifies that courts or juries may only award these punitive damages when a defendant's conduct involves "oppression, fraud, or actual malice," proven by clear and convincing evidence. The bill sets strict procedural rules: a party must first file a motion with supporting evidence to seek punitive damages, and the award cannot exceed twice the compensatory damages or $250,000. It also prohibits punitive damages against manufacturers who complied with federal safety standards and adds specific rules for drunk driving cases involving recent DUI convictions. This law directly affects plaintiffs seeking punitive damages, defendants, and courts handling such claims in North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2231 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover specific dental and behavioral services, directly affecting recipients of medical assistance who need these services. The bill mandates coverage for family adaptive behavioral treatment guidance, dental screenings, dental case management for special populations (including children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), and asynchronous teledentistry to improve access. It explicitly states these new coverage requirements do not apply to Medicaid expansion programs for children and adults. The bill failed to pass in the Senate on March 27, 2025, with 33 votes in favor and 59 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1238 amends North Dakota's teaching license rules to require teachers with lifetime licenses to report certain information to the Education Standards Board every five years. Specifically, it mandates that these teachers submit a report disclosing any criminal violations since their last report or any issues that could lead to license revocation. The report must be provided in a board-prescribed format but cannot cost the teacher anything. This change directly affects North Dakota teachers who have held a teaching license for 30 years and received lifetime licensure.

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 summaryHB 1198 allows North Dakota park districts to join group purchasing agreements with the state or other local governments through a formal joint powers agreement. Specifically, it authorizes park district boards to participate in these cooperative buying arrangements, which can help reduce costs for shared goods and services. The bill does not apply to construction projects defined under state law. This change directly affects park districts by expanding their purchasing options under existing legal frameworks.