Sen. Jose Castaneda

Maddy summaryHB 1200 amends North Dakota's high school graduation requirements to require one unit of computer science or cybersecurity (subdivision h) for all students, effective after July 31, 2025. It allows schools to grant credit for up to one unit of coursework under "emergent circumstances" (e.g., natural disasters disrupting normal education) by substituting alternative courses like dual-credit or electives. This applies to students in North Dakota public and nonpublic high schools who demonstrate such emergencies. The bill also updates existing GED credit provisions but focuses primarily on creating flexibility for emergency disruptions to graduation requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1430 would amend North Dakota's social work regulations to allow licensed social workers to offer counseling aligned with heterosexuality or a client's biological sex without violating ethics rules. It directly affects licensed social workers in North Dakota who provide counseling to individuals questioning their sexuality or gender identity. The bill requires social workers to disclose the nature of such treatment and obtain written consent from the client or their parent/guardian before proceeding. This legislation, which failed to pass in March 2025, focuses on defining ethical boundaries for specific counseling approaches under professional regulation.

Maddy summaryHCR 3033 is a concurrent resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study whether legislators should be allowed to hire personal legislative staff. It would examine the potential benefits of this practice, including comparing it to other states' approaches, and assess how it might support legislators during term limit transitions. The resolution requires Legislative Management to report findings and any needed legislation to the next legislative session. This resolution directly affects current and future legislators by exploring a potential change to their staffing resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2317) allows townships in North Dakota that previously transferred their zoning authority to counties to regain that authority under specific conditions. It directly affects townships that had unilaterally given up zoning control to county governments. To reacquire zoning authority, a township must pass a resolution supporting the return, hold a majority vote by qualified electors in an election, adopt a new zoning ordinance, and appoint a zoning administrator. If these steps are completed, the county must accept the township's reacquisition of zoning authority. The bill proposed a formal process for townships to reclaim zoning control they had previously delegated to county governments.

Relating to military sacrifice number plates; and to amend and reenact section 39‑04‑10.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to personalized plates.

Maddy summaryHB 1340 amends North Dakota's vehicle tint law to clarify light transmittance requirements for window tinting. It requires that front windshields and front windows allow at least 70% light transmittance (meaning the tint can't be too dark), while other windows must allow at least 35% transmittance. The law does not apply to rear windows if a vehicle has outside mirrors meeting standard requirements. This directly affects drivers who install window tint, ensuring visibility for safety while maintaining existing exceptions for rear windows with proper mirrors.

Maddy summarySB 2175 requires North Dakota counties to conduct mandatory pre-election testing of voting systems at least one week before each election, using preaudited ballots to verify accuracy and detect errors. It also mandates random post-election audits in each county within six to eight days after voting, reviewing results from federal, statewide, legislative, and county contests. These audits must be performed by appointed election boards using logic and accuracy testing procedures, with results submitted to the Secretary of State for public reporting. The law directly affects county auditors, election officials, and the Secretary of State’s office, ensuring transparency in election results verification. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1403 designates the third Friday in September each year as "Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day" in North Dakota. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to honor military personnel held captive or missing in action. It specifically clarifies that this designation does not mandate school or business closures, as it is a ceremonial observance, not a mandated holiday. The bill was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1474 proposes a new tax based on the square footage of residential properties in North Dakota, replacing the traditional ad valorem tax for many homeowners. It directly affects residential property owners (including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses), local governments that collect taxes, and businesses installing solar/wind/geothermal systems through new tax credits. Key provisions include establishing a per-square-foot tax rate on both land and structures, modifying existing property tax credit rules for energy-efficient installations, and requiring county boards to adjust tax assessments under new valuation requirements. The bill also repeals an existing exemption for new residential properties and sets limits on how much local governments can levy through this new tax structure. The bill failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on March 11, 2025, with 5 votes in favor and 42 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1352 would amend North Dakota law to allow churches and places of worship to permit individuals with valid concealed firearm permits to carry weapons inside their buildings. The bill creates liability protection for churches if they permit such carry, stating they cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by authorized individuals. It specifies that churches may allow concealed carry only for people already authorized under existing concealed carry laws (like reciprocity agreements) or with the church's approval. This policy change directly affects religious institutions and individuals seeking to carry firearms in places of worship, while maintaining prohibitions on firearms for most others in these settings.