Sen. Claire Cory

Maddy summarySB 2235 amends North Dakota law to clarify how partial rent payments are applied when a tenant pays less than the full amount due. It requires that any insufficient payment for lodging (like apartments) must first cover the outstanding rent amount, not late fees or other charges, unless the tenant specifies otherwise at the time of payment. This directly affects residential renters and landlords across North Dakota by standardizing payment priorities under rental agreements. The bill does not change rent due dates or amounts but ensures payments are applied to the core rent obligation first. The bill failed to pass in the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summarySB 2237 would require North Dakota's labor commissioner to investigate tenant complaints about landlords violating specific housing laws (sections 47-16-20 and 47-32-02) and take disciplinary action against non-compliant landlords. The bill mandates that the labor commissioner provide landlords with written notice of alleged violations and a reasonable time to fix the issues before taking action, with notice delivered personally or via certified mail. Landlords directly affected would face potential disciplinary measures under this new process, while tenants would gain a formal channel to report housing disputes. The bill aimed to expand the labor commissioner's role from workplace safety to certain landlord-tenant enforcement, though it failed to pass in February 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2236 would have limited late fees on rental payments in North Dakota to no more than 8% of the overdue rent amount. The bill specifically applied to landlords and renters in standard residential rental agreements, capping fees for payments not made by the end of the month or the date specified in the lease. It amended North Dakota's Century Code to replace existing late fee rules with this 8% maximum. The proposal aimed to prevent excessive late charges but failed to pass the legislature in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1184 would allow North Dakota's Board of University and School Lands, State Investment Board, and State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of their managed funds in specific digital assets (like stablecoins or cryptocurrencies with a $500 billion+ average market cap) or precious metals (gold, platinum, or silver). The bill requires all digital asset investments to be held securely through approved custodians or exchange-traded products, with strict rules for staking or lending digital assets to avoid increasing state financial risk. It defines key terms like "stablecoin" (dollar-backed digital currency) and "secure custody solution" (requiring multi-location hardware storage and regular security audits). The policy directly affects how state investment entities manage public funds, but the bill failed to pass in January 2025 after committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 1171 creates a scholarship program for dependents of North Dakota law enforcement family members, directly affecting eligible students whose parents or guardians are full-time law enforcement officers (including correctional officers, firefighters, EMS providers, or peace officers) with at least three years of service. The program covers 50% of tuition costs (minus other aid) at state higher education institutions, administered by the State Board of Higher Education. It appropriates $5 million from the general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium to fund these scholarships. The bill defines eligibility through tax dependency exemptions and enrollment at state-controlled colleges or universities.

Maddy summaryHB 1240 would require auto insurance companies in North Dakota to offer policies with separate coverage for repairing or replacing damaged auto glass, distinct from standard comprehensive or collision coverage. This directly affects insurance providers writing auto policies and drivers who purchase comprehensive or collision insurance. The key provision mandates that any such glass coverage must include its own separate deductible, not shared with other policy deductibles. The bill aimed to make glass repairs more affordable by preventing drivers from having to meet the full deductible for other car damage when only the glass is broken.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 would create a state program to safely connect food donors (like businesses) with charities, making it easier to donate surplus food. Donors must be licensed under existing food safety rules, while charities wouldn’t need commercial kitchens or special certification but must follow local health unit food handling standards. Local health units would inspect donors, verify food handlers, and set safety rules, with donors protected from liability if following guidelines. The program would include educational resources and potential grants to support participation, aiming to reduce food waste while ensuring safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1342 proposes changes to North Dakota's licensing rules for gaming equipment manufacturers and distributors. It updates annual license fees (ranging from $1,000 to $10,000) and specifies that portions of these fees ($500-$1,500) must fund a charitable gaming technology program. The bill also clarifies distribution rules, requiring equipment sales only to licensed entities and mandating state gaming stamps for paper-based games like pull tabs. Additionally, it redefines "racing" to include live or simulcast horse racing under the certificate system. Note: The bill was introduced in January 2025 but withdrawn before committee action.

Relating to the adoption of central standard time; and to repeal section 40‑01‑20 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to daylight saving time.

Relating to the administration of a federally sponsored animal identification program by the state veterinarian; and to repeal sections 4.1‑72‑05 and 4.1‑72‑06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating the administration of a federally sponsored animal identification program and records relating to the program.