Sen. Mike Dwyer

Maddy summaryHB 1418 amends North Dakota's Century Code to clarify when law enforcement may make warrantless arrests for harassing a public safety agency. The bill specifically targets conduct that interferes with public safety personnel or operations, though the exact definition of "harassing" isn't detailed in the provided abstract. It directly affects individuals who engage in behavior deemed disruptive to emergency services or public safety operations. This is a procedural code amendment focused on defining arrest authority, not a substantive policy change with broader public impact. The context provided does not include sufficient detail to describe the specific mechanisms or scope of the amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 1326 amends North Dakota's self-defense law to clarify that individuals cannot claim self-defense if they were unlawfully carrying a firearm at the time of an incident. Specifically, the bill adds that possessing a firearm in violation of state law (e.g., without a permit or due to a disqualifying offense) automatically disqualifies a person from using self-defense as a legal justification. This directly affects people who might otherwise argue self-defense while illegally holding a gun. The key provision (Section 12.1-05-03, subsection 3c) explicitly states that unlawful firearm possession negates self-defense claims during encounters involving imminent harm. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2377) changes North Dakota law to protect dental plan enrollees. It bars dental plans from controlling fees charged by dentists for services not covered by the plan (like routine checkups if not included in the plan). It also prevents plans from denying patients additional dental care when annual, lifetime, or frequency limits have been reached. The law directly affects dental patients and providers by ensuring they aren't restricted from accessing care when plan limits are exhausted.

Maddy summaryHCR 3030 is a symbolic resolution passed by North Dakota's legislature to strengthen its longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, which began in 1986. It formally recognizes North Dakota's trade ties, academic exchanges, and shared values with Taiwan, while advocating for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations like the WHO, UN climate talks, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The resolution does not create new laws or policy changes but expresses legislative support for Taiwan's international engagement and encourages U.S. efforts like the U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement. It directs the Secretary of State to share copies with U.S. officials, Taiwan's representative office, and international bodies. This is a procedural statement, not a binding policy action.

Maddy summaryHB 1347 creates a new legal framework for district court supervised treatment programs in North Dakota, directly affecting offenders sentenced to supervised probation. The bill assigns specific roles: the Department of Corrections supervises probation compliance, the Department of Health oversees treatment services using established best practices, and district courts coordinate judicial oversight for specialized dockets. This law formalizes existing practices by defining each agency's responsibilities within court-approved treatment programs. It takes effect upon the Governor's signature, which occurred on March 26, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2290 amends North Dakota law governing punitive damages (also called "exemplary damages"). It clarifies that courts or juries may only award these punitive damages when a defendant's conduct involves "oppression, fraud, or actual malice," proven by clear and convincing evidence. The bill sets strict procedural rules: a party must first file a motion with supporting evidence to seek punitive damages, and the award cannot exceed twice the compensatory damages or $250,000. It also prohibits punitive damages against manufacturers who complied with federal safety standards and adds specific rules for drunk driving cases involving recent DUI convictions. This law directly affects plaintiffs seeking punitive damages, defendants, and courts handling such claims in North Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1554 restructures the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Advisory Board by defining its 12-member composition: four agricultural representatives (from farm bureau, farmers union, stockmen's association, and grain growers), two energy industry members (petroleum and lignite councils), four conservation group representatives, plus one business and one recreation association member. The bill establishes four-year terms with a two-term limit, requires at least two annual meetings, and specifies that grant recommendations must have majority board approval. It does not create new programs or funding but clarifies board membership, meeting procedures, and grant review processes for existing outdoor heritage initiatives. The bill was enacted as an emergency measure and signed into law in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2288 allows North Dakota veterans organizations to use up to 20% of their quarterly net profits from approved charitable gaming events (like raffles or bingo) to cover costs for food, beverages (including alcohol), and operating their club. It specifically permits one club per organization and applies only to expenses directly tied to that club's operations. The bill changes existing law to clarify how veterans groups can fund their social facilities using revenue from their charitable activities. This policy directly affects licensed veterans organizations in North Dakota that host charitable gaming events.

Maddy summaryHB 1336 modifies North Dakota law to require courts to issue orders prohibiting contact between defendants and victims in cases involving crimes of violence, stalking, harassment, or sex offenses when defendants are released before trial. These orders must be provided to victims, entered into state and federal crime databases within one business day, and can be modified or terminated by court order upon request. Violating such an order is a class A misdemeanor, and law enforcement must arrest individuals without a warrant if probable cause exists. The bill directly affects victims in these specific criminal cases and defendants released pre-trial, with key changes focusing on mandatory contact orders and electronic database reporting.

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.