Sen. Paul Thomas

Maddy summaryHB 1487 transfers a specific 1.25-acre parcel of land in Minot (Ward County) from the North Dakota Department of Transportation to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), exempting the transfer from standard property rules. It appropriates $4.9 million from the general fund to construct a facility on this land, to be leased to other state agencies for the 2025-2027 biennium. The funding is a one-time allocation not subject to typical budget constraints and may carry over into the next biennium. This bill directly affects the OMB (as the recipient of land and funds) and state agencies leasing the new facility.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 amends existing North Dakota law to prohibit the possession of certain computer-generated images. The bill modifies sections 12.1-27.2-01 and 12.1-27.2-04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. It establishes a penalty for individuals found to be in possession of these prohibited images.

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.

Relating to evaluations conducted by appraisers; and to amend and reenact sections 43‑23.3‑01, 43‑23.3‑04, and 43‑23.3‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definitions of agency and evaluation, an exemption from appraisal permit requirements, and the standards of professional appraisal practice.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 2137 creates new regulations regarding the use of supplemental feed for hunting within North Dakota. This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code, directly affecting hunters by establishing specific rules on how and when supplemental feed can be utilized during hunting activities. The provisions of this act are temporary, as the bill includes a set expiration date.

Relating to the oil extraction tax rate reduction for oil produced from a new well drilled and completed outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 requires that 15% of mule deer licenses available for the regular gun season in the previous year must be reserved for nonresident hunters using bows. This law directly affects nonresident hunters seeking to hunt mule deer in North Dakota with bow and arrow equipment. The key provision mandates this specific reservation percentage for mule deer licenses, applying to the licenses made available for the regular gun season. The bill amends North Dakota Century Code section 20.1-03-11 to implement this change, which was signed into law in April 2025.

Relating to septic systems and the environmental quality advisory committee; to amend and reenact sections 23‑35‑02, 23‑35‑08, 23.1‑01‑03, and 23.1‑17‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the department of environmental quality, boards of health, and public health units; to repeal sections 23‑35‑02.2 and 23‑35‑02.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the onsite wastewater recycling technical committee; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1444 amends North Dakota law to clarify the process for adding local roads to the county road system. It requires county commissioners to notify townships when a road meets criteria under section 24-05-16 and is under township jurisdiction, and to hold a public meeting for community input before making a final decision. This directly affects county commissioners, townships, and residents who use these local roads, ensuring transparency in road system expansion. The bill does not change road maintenance responsibilities but adds a procedural step for community engagement.

Relating to the regulation of odors in an animal feeding operation and zoning authority over animal feeding operations in counties and townships; and to provide an effective date.