Sen. Greg Kessel

Maddy summaryHB 1539 amends North Dakota law to clarify definitions and set procedures for "backup electric generation" - temporary, non-grid-connected power systems used to replace primary generation during outages. It requires utilities to submit written certifications to the Public Service Commission before construction activities, confirming the work won't affect protected areas and complies with existing siting rules. This applies specifically to temporary power systems (e.g., during power emergencies) and affects utilities building or modifying such infrastructure. The law standardizes the approval process for construction near designated avoidance areas.

Maddy summarySB 2161 amends North Dakota law governing the barley council and wheat commission, primarily adjusting assessment rates for producers. It increases the barley assessment to 20-30 mills per bushel (with exemption for barley used as livestock feed) and sets the wheat assessment at 15-20 mills per bushel for wheat grown, delivered, or sold in the state. The bill also updates membership rules for the councils, including term limits and procedures for filling vacancies. These changes directly affect barley and wheat producers who sell their crops within North Dakota, as they will pay the updated assessments. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 3017 is a symbolic resolution designating December 6th as "Miner's Day" in North Dakota to honor coal miners. It recognizes coal miners' contributions to providing reliable, affordable energy (supplying 55% of the state's electricity) and supporting the economy ($5.5 billion in business activity, 12,000 jobs). The resolution urges the federal government to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding and revise regulations it claims disadvantage coal, while promoting carbon capture and coal-based technologies. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal effect, solely intended to publicly acknowledge coal miners' work and advocate for federal policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 3009 is a North Dakota legislative resolution urging the federal government to adopt trade policies that penalize countries with high pollution levels (like China and Russia) while supporting U.S. businesses and workers. It specifically calls for holding foreign producers to environmental standards comparable to U.S. domestic rules, aiming to reduce reliance on imports from high-emission countries and boost domestic manufacturing. The resolution directly affects U.S. industries and workers by advocating for trade rules that address environmental and economic concerns raised by North Dakota, including mineral supply chain vulnerabilities. It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action, with North Dakota’s legislature directing copies to U.S. leaders and its congressional delegation. The resolution focuses on policy changes to align trade with environmental accountability, without specifying exact mechanisms like tariffs.

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 summarySB 2141 amends North Dakota law to allow water permit holders to change the purpose of their permit (e.g., from agriculture to livestock or recreation) without losing their original water rights priority date, provided the Department of Water Resources approves the change. The bill requires applications to be processed like new conditional permits and restricts changes to two scenarios: shifting to a higher-priority water use or converting to livestock, fish, wildlife, or recreational use in a reservoir with no water withdrawal. This directly affects agricultural and water users who hold existing permits seeking to repurpose their water rights. The law aims to provide flexibility while protecting other water users' rights through departmental review.

Relating to motor vehicle fuel tax, special fuels tax, and aviation fuel tax refunds for fuels purchased by fire departments; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1453 would ban North Dakota state and local governments from engaging with "natural asset companies" - businesses that manage natural resources (like forests or water) to generate environmental benefits. The bill prohibits selling or leasing state-owned land to these companies, investing public funds in them, and allows lawsuits to reclaim land if violations occur. It would also prevent natural asset companies from operating in North Dakota by blocking their registration, business licenses, and any contracts with state entities. This directly affects state agencies, political subdivisions, and public fund managers, but does not impact private citizens or non-governmental activities.

Relating to the state share of oil and gas tax revenue allocations, the municipal infrastructure fund, and the county and township infrastructure fund.

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.