Sen. Sean Cleary

Maddy summaryHB 1420 amends North Dakota's library funding code to clarify that state aid grants for public libraries exclude those distributed under Chapter 54-24.2. This change directly affects public libraries receiving state funding by specifying which grant programs are included in the state aid distribution. The key provision updates Section 54-24.4-05 to explicitly approve state-funded grants for libraries, while maintaining the existing exclusion for Chapter 54-24.2 grants. The bill was enacted after receiving final approval from the Governor on March 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 allows North Dakota public and nonpublic schools to serve whole, two percent, and flavored pasteurized milk through bulk milk dispensers. This law overrides previous restrictions in school nutrition codes (chapters 4.1-05, 4.1-25, 4.1-26, 19-02.1, and 23-09) that previously limited milk options. School districts or approved nonpublic schools can now establish policies permitting these milk types in cafeterias. The bill directly affects school nutrition programs and student meal choices in North Dakota. It became law after the Governor signed it on March 21, 2025.

Relating to the definition of a children's advocacy center and the confidentiality of communications and records in the possession of a children's advocacy center.

Maddy summarySB 2154 amends North Dakota's legal definition of "primary sector business" across three code sections to clarify which businesses qualify for economic development programs. It defines such businesses as certified entities (including corporations, LLCs, or tourism operations) that create "new wealth" through sales to out-of-state visitors or by offering previously unavailable products/services within the state. The bill explicitly includes tourism businesses in this definition while excluding production agriculture. These changes affect businesses seeking state economic development benefits, ensuring tourism operations that attract outside visitors qualify for program eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 2358 allows rural ambulance district boards of directors in North Dakota to set compensation rates for their members, removing the previous restriction that required them to serve without pay (except for the secretary-treasurer). This change directly affects rural ambulance district boards across the state, enabling them to pay board members based on locally determined rates. The bill also clarifies that no more than two board members may be employees of the licensed ambulance service operating in the district, and those members must qualify as volunteers under state law. The policy update modifies existing law to provide flexibility in board compensation while maintaining representation rules.

Maddy summarySB 2164 amends North Dakota law to clarify when financial institutions may share customer information with the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project. It specifically permits disclosure to this project for investigating abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of individuals with disabilities under Chapter 25-01.3, while making clear financial institutions are not required to investigate or report such issues. The bill ensures any disclosure remains limited to what's necessary for the investigation and adheres to existing confidentiality rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1471 requires dental benefit plans in North Dakota to offer payment methods other than credit cards to dentists, preventing plans from requiring credit card payments only. It mandates that plans notify dentists about any fees for specific payment methods, explain available options, and provide clear instructions for selecting fee-free alternatives. The bill also prohibits charging transmission fees for electronic payments unless the dentist consents, and restricts plans from sharing credit card company profits to cover claim payments. This directly affects dental benefit plans, their vendors, and health maintenance organizations when paying dentists in North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2219 requires North Dakota public libraries to disburse surplus library materials statewide and submit annual reports. It amends two sections of the state code: Section 54-24-03 now mandates distributing unused library materials to libraries across the state, and Section 54-24.2-01 adds a requirement for libraries to complete and submit annual reports by the end of each calendar year. These changes directly affect all public libraries seeking state financial aid. The bill establishes clear, administrative procedures for managing library resources and reporting compliance. It was enacted on March 17, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Relating to a tax on cigars, other tobacco products, alternative tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and electronic smoking device substances and a tobacco tax distribution fund; to amend and reenact section 57‑36‑01, subsection 1 of section 57‑36‑31, and section 57‑36‑32 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of alternative tobacco products, transfer and allocation of tobacco products tax revenue and tax on cigarettes; to provide a penalty; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1179 would require North Dakota's public institutions of higher education to provide faculty members with at least a 12-month appointment 24 days of paid time off annually. It mandates institutions to track accrued time off, sets a limit of 30 days to carry over into the next year, and requires payment for unused time upon termination (capped at 54 days total). Institutions failing to implement this by August 1, 2025, would need to grant 54 days of paid time off to faculty by January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects faculty at all public colleges and universities governed by the state board of higher education.