Sen. Ron Sorvaag

Maddy summaryHCR 3018 is a resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study water and wetlands regulations and the taxation of lands subject to flooding (inundated lands). It requires examining jurisdictional conflicts across federal, state, and local agencies, comparing other states' approaches, and inventorying relevant laws. The study must identify gaps in authority and recommend improvements for clearer, more consistent management. The findings will be reported to the next legislative assembly to inform potential future policy changes. This resolution does not change current laws but directs a review process.

Maddy summaryHB 1197 creates a $50 million jail improvement fund (funded by a transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund) to provide grants for county jail upgrades, remodeling, or replacements. The bill establishes a committee with legislative members, county representatives, and corrections stakeholders to review applications and approve grants. Counties receiving grants must contribute at least 25% of project costs, and at least 25% of annual funds must support projects in counties with populations under 15,000. The law, signed by the governor in April 2025, directly affects North Dakota counties and correctional facilities by enabling targeted infrastructure investments.

Maddy summarySB 2210 provides for a legislative management study. This study will examine the management of water, specifically focusing on approaches based on watershed boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 1162 proposes to amend a specific section of the North Dakota Century Code (61-39-03, subsection 1). This amendment directly relates to the board of directors of the Lake Agassiz water authority. While the bill concerns the composition or operations of this board, the provided information does not detail the specific changes being enacted.

Relating to a low-carbon fuels fund; to amend and reenact sections 39‑04‑39 and 54‑44.5‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the distribution of certain vehicle registration fees and ethanol production incentives; to repeal chapter 17‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to ethanol production incentives; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 allocates $2 million from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Transportation for grants supporting nonfixed route public transit services. These grants directly assist public transportation providers (such as rural or on-demand transit systems) during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream for nonfixed route transit programs without altering existing service requirements or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1331 appropriates $1.75 million (including up to $250,000 from dining services revenues) to North Dakota State College of Science for a one-time construction project. The funds are specifically designated to build an artificial turf playing surface, effective immediately and ending June 30, 2027. The bill declares an emergency to expedite this funding allocation. This measure directly affects the college's athletic facilities and requires no legislative action beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 2338 is a procedural bill that redraws North Dakota's legislative district boundaries by amending Section 54-03-01.14 of the Century Code. It defines the geographic boundaries for all 47 districts, including creating subdistricts for Districts 4 and 9 (requiring separate elections for representatives in each subdistrict). The bill does not change voting rules or create new policies - it solely updates the map for representation. The measure failed to pass in the Senate on March 21, 2025, with 3 yeas and 81 nays.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2153) clarifies the definition of "Project" in North Dakota law to specifically include water conveyance projects and related infrastructure works that are physically connected or jointly managed. It amends the Century Code to define "Project" as a single unit combining water conveyance systems or works listed under subsection 1011. The change is purely definitional, ensuring consistent terminology for water infrastructure projects across state law. It does not create new projects, alter funding, or directly affect specific communities or entities. This procedural update streamlines how such water systems are legally categorized.

Maddy summarySB 2365 amends North Dakota law to clarify fee collection for the 24/7 Sobriety Program, directly affecting offenders participating in the program and the criminal justice agencies administering it. The bill authorizes agencies to collect fees for twice-daily breath testing, urine testing, drug patch monitoring, device installation/deactivation, and daily remote alcohol monitoring. It requires courts to reimburse agencies if fees are waived, and mandates that all collected fees be used solely for program support services, equipment maintenance, or compliance - never for general state funds. The bill failed to pass in the 2025 session after committee recommendation to "do not pass."