Relating to a rail revolving loan fund and uses of the abandoned oil and gas well plugging and site reclamation fund; to amend and reenact subsection 7 of section 6‑08.1‑02 and sections 6‑09‑35, 6‑09‑46.2, 6‑09.7‑05, 6‑09.14‑04, and 49‑17.1‑02.1, subsection 1 of section 54‑17‑40, and subdivision a of subsection 4 of section 54‑17.7‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, and section 15 of chapter 14 of the 2023 Session Laws, relating to confidential and exempt records of the Bank of North Dakota, the rebuilders loan program, loan guarantees through the strategic investment and improvements fund, interest rate buydown limits for the partnership in assisting community expansion fund, department of transportation review and approval of rail projects, uses of the housing incentive fund, North Dakota pipeline borrowing authority, and a salt cavern underground energy storage research project; to repeal section 3 of Senate Bill No. 2188, as approved by the sixty-ninth legislative assembly, relating to a transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Relating to an extraordinary medical needs housing loan fund; to amend and reenact sections 50‑06‑06.6, 50‑06‑42, 50‑24.5‑02.3, and 50‑33‑05, and subsection 1 of 50‑36‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code and subsection 6 of the new section to chapter 54‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code created in section 1 of Senate Bill No. 2176, as approved by the sixty‑ninth legislative assembly, relating to leases of department of health and human services property, substance use disorder treatment program, basic care payment rates, state of residence for child care assistance, opioid settlement advisory committee, and children's cabinet; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1524 creates a formal grant program allowing North Dakota's Department of Commerce to fund regional planning councils. The bill directs the department to award grants supporting local implementation of state programs like housing, workforce development, rural economic initiatives, and local food systems, subject to annual legislative funding. These grants can cover program execution, resource development, and efforts to attract public or private investment in communities. The law, signed by the governor in May 2025, directly affects regional planning councils and the local communities they serve.
SB 2225 appropriates $50 million from North Dakota's Strategic Investment Fund to the Department of Commerce for grants supporting housing infrastructure. The bill provides funding to local communities (with allocations based on population size) to lower costs for infrastructure needed for market-rate housing projects, requiring a 1:1 match from local governments, developers, and private funds. Communities must use the funds for infrastructure like roads or utilities to support new housing, with reporting requirements to the legislature by June 2026. The program expires June 30, 2027, and aims to address housing needs in both urban and rural areas.
Relating to a legacy earnings fund, a legacy property tax relief fund, a state reimbursed taxable valuation reduction for residential, agricultural, and commercial property, limitations on taxable valuation increases, and voter-approved excess levy authority; to amend and reenact section 6‑09.4‑10.1, subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06, section 54‑27‑19.3, subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 57‑02‑08.1, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 57‑02‑08.1, and section 57‑02‑08.10, of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to funds invested by the state investment board, the homestead tax credit and renters refund, and the primary residence credit certification and state reimbursement; to repeal sections 21‑10‑12, 21‑10‑13, and 57‑02‑08.9 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to legacy fund definitions, the legacy earnings fund, and the primary residence credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
HB 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.
HB 1610 prohibits landlords in North Dakota from including specific unfair terms in rental lease agreements, directly affecting both landlords and renters. The bill adds clear definitions to state law banning provisions like banning pets without reason, requiring excessive fees, or restricting tenant access to security deposits. Key mechanisms include listing exact prohibited clauses that landlords cannot enforce in contracts for leasing real property. This creates standardized, transparent rental terms without using legal jargon.
HB 1395 requires landlords in North Dakota to provide prospective tenants with proof of completed criminal, credit, or background checks within seven days of the check. This applies directly to landlords who require such checks as part of the rental application process and affects renters who pay application fees. If landlords fail to provide this proof on time, they must refund all fees paid by the prospective tenant. The bill, which failed to pass in the legislature on March 28, 2025, aimed to increase transparency in rental screening practices.
SB 2238 allows tenants evicted under North Dakota law to request the sealing of their court records after meeting specific conditions. Generally, individuals can petition to seal records seven years after satisfying the eviction order. Survivors of domestic violence who were evicted during their tenancy may immediately petition to seal records upon a conviction for domestic violence or issuance of a restraining order against their abuser. This bill directly affects evicted tenants, particularly those who experienced domestic violence, by removing their eviction records from public access.
HB 1496 amends North Dakota law to clarify landlords' responsibilities for maintaining rental properties. It requires landlords to comply with health/safety building codes, make necessary repairs, keep common areas clean, maintain essential systems (like plumbing and heating), and provide running water and reasonable heat (68°F Oct-April, seasonally appropriate May-Sept). The bill allows written agreements between landlords and tenants of single-family homes for tenants to handle specific tasks (like waste removal), but only with good faith and separate written terms. It explicitly states landlords cannot make such agreements a condition for rental obligations. This directly affects landlords and tenants in North Dakota residential rentals.
