Sen. Claire Cory

Relating to law enforcement agency and concealed weapon test administrator certifications and firearm proficiency qualification course records; and to amend and reenact subsection 7 of section 62.1‑01‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to standards for qualification in firearms training for retired officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends North Dakota's gaming laws to eliminate dog racing by removing it from the definition of "racing" and prohibiting wagering on dog races under the certificate system. It updates licensing requirements for manufacturers and distributors of electronic pull tab devices, bingo systems, and other gaming equipment, imposing annual fees ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 with portions of fees directed to a charitable gaming technology fund. The bill directly affects gaming equipment manufacturers, distributors, and racetracks previously authorized for dog racing. Key mechanisms include revised licensing fees, restrictions on selling gaming equipment to unauthorized parties, and a ban on dog racing wagering.

Maddy summarySB 2238 allows tenants evicted under North Dakota law to request the sealing of their court records after meeting specific conditions. Generally, individuals can petition to seal records seven years after satisfying the eviction order. Survivors of domestic violence who were evicted during their tenancy may immediately petition to seal records upon a conviction for domestic violence or issuance of a restraining order against their abuser. This bill directly affects evicted tenants, particularly those who experienced domestic violence, by removing their eviction records from public access.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 creates new state regulations for products called "beneficial substances" (substances that improve plant or soil health without being pesticides or standard fertilizers). It requires sellers to label products with clear information like ingredients, usage instructions, and net weight, and to obtain a $100 distributor license for each location. Sellers must also pay $50 per product for registration and $10 or $0.20 per ton for inspections, with penalties for late fees. Certain common soil products like compost, mulch, and garden soil are exempt from full labeling rules. The law directly affects businesses selling these agricultural products in North Dakota.

Maddy summarySB 2149 updates North Dakota's School Construction Assistance Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Bank of North Dakota, to provide low-interest loans for public school construction and remodeling projects. It sets maximum loan amounts: up to $15 million for projects under $75 million (or 80% of cost if district funds exceed limits), up to $30 million for larger projects, and up to $20 million for projects on air force bases. The bill requires school districts to meet specific eligibility criteria, including project cost thresholds ($1 million minimum), approval from the superintendent, community voting, and prioritization based on student needs, building age, and safety. Loans carry a 2% interest rate with a 20-year term, and the fund is replenished by repayments to support future school construction.

Maddy summaryHB 1496 amends North Dakota law to clarify landlords' responsibilities for maintaining rental properties. It requires landlords to comply with health/safety building codes, make necessary repairs, keep common areas clean, maintain essential systems (like plumbing and heating), and provide running water and reasonable heat (68°F Oct-April, seasonally appropriate May-Sept). The bill allows written agreements between landlords and tenants of single-family homes for tenants to handle specific tasks (like waste removal), but only with good faith and separate written terms. It explicitly states landlords cannot make such agreements a condition for rental obligations. This directly affects landlords and tenants in North Dakota residential rentals.

Maddy summaryHB 1246 amends North Dakota law to clarify who can handle coroner duties when a coroner is unavailable in a county. It specifies that in such cases, the sheriff, state highway patrol, or a special agent from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation must perform coroner duties. The bill requires these officials to contact the nearest coroner or deputy coroner from an adjacent county for death investigations, and if distance or weather prevents this, they must instead request the state forensic examiner or their designee to certify the cause of death. This change directly affects county law enforcement and state forensic services in areas without a resident coroner.

Maddy summaryHB 1134 prohibits the intentional online sharing of personally identifying information (like addresses, Social Security numbers, or phone numbers) to intimidate, harass, or frighten someone or their household or immediate family members. It defines "dissemination" as posting such information online or in public forums, and makes violations a class A misdemeanor, with harsher penalties (up to a class A felony) if the act causes bodily injury, serious harm, or death. The law applies to all electronic communications originating in or accessible within North Dakota and directly affects individuals targeted by such online harassment. Penalties increase based on the severity of harm caused, aiming to protect victims from digital intimidation campaigns.

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 summaryHB 1224 simplifies the process for inheriting small estates in North Dakota by allowing claimants to collect assets using a sworn affidavit instead of court-appointed probate. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from a deceased person when the total estate value (minus debts) is under $510,000. The bill requires a 30-day wait after death, an affidavit confirming the estate size and no pending court proceedings, and allows debtors or transfer agents to release assets directly to the claimant. This eliminates the need for formal probate court involvement for qualifying small estates.