Sen. Josh Boschee

Maddy summarySB 2273 amends sections 43-26.1-01 (subsection 14) and 43-26.1-11.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to revise rules governing physical therapists' use of diagnostic imaging. The bill directly affects licensed physical therapists in North Dakota by changing the legal authority under which they may perform or order diagnostic imaging services. Specific changes to the law are not detailed in the provided abstract, but the amendment aims to update existing provisions related to this scope of practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2326) amends specific sections of North Dakota's legal code related to sexual assault restraining orders and domestic violence protection orders. It focuses on updating the application process for these protective orders but does not specify the exact procedural changes in the provided abstract. The summary lacks details on who is directly affected or the key mechanisms of the amendment. Without additional context on the specific code changes, a detailed summary of policy impacts cannot be provided. The bill appears procedural, relating to the legal framework for obtaining these orders.

Maddy summaryHB 1205 allows parents or their agents to anonymously leave infants under 60 days old in secure, 24/7 monitored safety devices at designated hospitals or leave them with on-duty staff at approved locations without facing prosecution under certain criminal codes. The bill defines "newborn safety devices" as temperature-controlled, alarm-equipped units visible to staff, and requires hospitals to accept infants without asking for parent information or medical history. It also creates a numbered identification bracelet system to link parents to infants for potential reunification, while guaranteeing confidentiality of parent identities unless the infant was harmed. The law provides immunity to hospitals and staff for accepting infants under these provisions and mandates a public awareness campaign about the program.

Relating to noncriminal marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or paraphernalia violations; to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 19‑03.1‑22.3, subdivision d of subsection 7 of section 19‑03.1‑23, subsection 9 of section 19‑03.1‑23, and subsection 4 of section 19‑03.4‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to penalties for the ingestion and possession of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or paraphernalia; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summarySB 2239 establishes a state-funded apprenticeship grant program in North Dakota. The program would provide financial assistance to both apprentices and employers participating in approved apprenticeship training. This bill creates a new funding mechanism within the state code and includes a specific appropriation to support the program's implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1455 requires the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review any introduced bill that may impact tribal nations or treaty rights before it advances to a committee hearing. This mandates formal tribal consultation as part of the legislative process for affected bills. The bill directly affects all North Dakota legislators introducing bills related to tribal affairs, lands, or treaty obligations. It creates a procedural step to ensure tribal perspectives are considered early in lawmaking. This is a procedural requirement, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1504 amends North Dakota's veterans' postwar trust fund to clarify its permanent status and management. It requires all investment income from the fund to be used exclusively for veteran programs or services, with funds automatically appropriated to the veterans' affairs committee for the following biennium. The bill adds a new provision allowing veterans' organizations (as defined in state law) to donate funds specifically for programs preventing and eliminating veteran homelessness. These changes ensure the fund's resources directly support veterans' needs through established administrative channels.

Maddy summarySB 2254 provides $2 million in one-time funding for fixed-route city transportation systems in North Dakota to support their paratransit services (accessible transit options for people with disabilities or mobility challenges) during the 2025-2027 biennium. This grant program directly benefits cities operating public bus routes that offer complementary paratransit services. The bill also requires the legislature to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim, examining how transit networks can address population growth, economic development, workforce needs, and healthcare access, with the goal of developing a future funding formula for these systems. The study will inform potential future budget allocations for city transportation services.

Maddy summarySB 2169 requires physical therapists in North Dakota to communicate the overall treatment plan to patients and obtain their informed consent, or consent from a legally authorized representative. This law directly affects physical therapy patients and providers across the state by establishing a clear communication and consent standard. The key provision mandates that therapists explain care plans before treatment begins, ensuring patients understand their options. The bill became law after the Governor signed it on April 2, 2025. It focuses on patient autonomy in physical therapy care without altering other treatment protocols.

Maddy summarySB 2341 would adopt the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists into North Dakota law, creating a new chapter in the state code. This compact allows school psychologists licensed in one participating state to practice in North Dakota without undergoing full re-licensure. The bill directly affects school psychologists moving between compact states and North Dakota's education licensing system. By joining the compact, North Dakota would align its licensure procedures with other participating states to streamline cross-state practice for school psychologists.