Sen. David Hogue

Maddy summarySB 2215 would require executive branch agencies and the judicial branch in North Dakota to obtain a specific request from legislative leadership before introducing a bill. The bill would prevent these branches from submitting proposed legislation directly to the legislature without such a prior request. This change would affect how state agencies and courts propose new laws, shifting the process to require legislative approval before drafting. The bill failed to pass in the legislature during its 2025 session, with 19 votes in favor and 28 against. It is a procedural rule change, not a substantive policy.

Relating to immunity and a defense for persons related to voting on legislation and closure of matters by the ethics commission; to amend and reenact sections 12.1‑13‑02, 54‑66‑10, 54‑66‑12, and 54‑66‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution, individuals' rights to appeals, confidential information, and conflicts of interest; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to the enforcement process for the North Dakota ethics commission; and to repeal sections 54‑66‑06, 54‑66‑07, and 54‑66‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to complaints filed with the North Dakota ethics commission.

Maddy summarySB 2349 would require North Dakota executive agencies and the Supreme Court to submit proposed bills to the Legislative Council by November 1st each even-numbered year, rather than introducing them directly. The bill mandates that the Legislative Management review these drafts by November 20th to determine if they contain a "substantial policy change" (a significant alteration to existing law). If the Management does not deem a bill to involve such a change, it is considered formally introduced. This is a procedural bill focused on the legislative process, not policy content, and it failed to pass the Senate in February 2025 (17 yeas, 30 nays).

Maddy summaryHB 1356 modifies North Dakota's open records law to clarify what legislative records cannot be disclosed under public access rules. It protects personal communications between lawmakers and the legislative council, legislative work product, and private phone records from disclosure. However, it specifically allows disclosure of bill draft or resolution requests made by legislators to their caucus leaders. The bill directly affects legislators and legislative staff by defining boundaries for sharing internal legislative communications.

Maddy summaryHB 1576 requests a study by North Dakota's legislative management to examine how oil and gas tax revenues are distributed to local governments (like cities and counties). The study, to be completed during the 2025-26 interim, would analyze current and historical revenue allocations and assess whether distribution levels align with infrastructure needs tied to oil and gas development. It would require the legislative management to report findings and proposed legislation to the 2027 legislature. The bill does not change current revenue rules but aims to inform future policy decisions.

Relating to posttraumatic stress disorder duration limits; to amend and reenact subsection 11 of section 65‑01‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to workers' compensation coverage for posttraumatic stress disorder; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Relating to the implementation of operational guidelines and training for law enforcement officers and state's attorneys addressing the crimes of human trafficking, prostitution, and the commercial exploitation of children.

Maddy summaryHB 1262 amends North Dakota law governing guardianships for incapacitated adults, directly affecting court-appointed guardians and the individuals under their care. The bill requires courts to prioritize the ward’s self-reliance, mandate strict findings of incapacity (rejecting age or medical diagnosis alone), and demand consideration of existing powers of attorney before appointing a guardian. Key provisions include limiting guardians’ authority to only necessary powers, requiring detailed asset inventories within 90 days, and establishing mandatory 5-year reviews to determine if guardianship remains necessary. The law also protects specific rights like voting, changing marital status, and retaining a driver’s license, ensuring guardianship remains the least restrictive option.

Relating to immunity from criminal prosecution and an affirmative defense for individuals voting on legislation, closure of a matter and issuance of guidance by the ethics commission, and the discretionary referral of an investigation to an outside attorney or investigator by the ethics commission's executive director; to amend and reenact sections 12.1‑13‑02 and 54‑66‑01, subsection 2 of section 54‑66‑04, and sections 54‑66‑12 and 54‑66‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution when adhering to legislative rules, definitions related to state government ethics, confidential records related to an alleged violation of an ethics law or rule, and conflicts of interest in the legislative assembly; to repeal sections 54‑66‑05, 54‑66‑06, 54‑66‑07, 54‑66‑08, 54‑66‑09, and 54‑66‑10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the complaint process of the ethics commission; and to declare an emergency.