Immigration

Relating to the establishment of the immigration law clinic at the university of North Dakota school of law; to provide for a report; and to provide an appropriation.

HB 1291, despite its title suggesting a "legislative management study," actually creates new enforcement provisions targeting employment of unauthorized workers in North Dakota. The bill prohibits private employers from hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers (defined per federal law) and requires labor commissioner investigations for violations, with cases referred to the attorney general for prosecution. Penalties include escalating civil fines ($5,000 to $30,000) and business license suspensions or revocations for repeated offenses. The bill failed to pass the legislature on April 4, 2025, with 44 votes against and 1 in favor.

HB 1585 requires North Dakota peace officers (such as police and sheriffs) to report individuals they reasonably believe are in the U.S. illegally to U.S. immigration authorities. Officers must use a designated tip line or online form as soon as possible after forming this belief. Violating this requirement would be classified as an infraction, not a criminal offense. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 7, 2025.