SB 2256 creates a new grant program in North Dakota for research technology parks, providing state funding to support these facilities. It directly affects eligible entities like universities, research institutions, or private developers seeking to establish or expand technology-focused park projects within the state. The bill authorizes a specific appropriation (funding allocation) for these grants and requires grantees to submit a report on program outcomes. This legislation establishes a formal mechanism for state financial support of research infrastructure development.
Relating to the definition of a public library, required safety policies and technology protection measures, and the state's attorney's review of public libraries, school districts, and state agencies for compliance with statutes protecting minors from explicit sexual material; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑27.1‑01, subsection 2 of section 12.1‑27.1‑03.1, and sections 12.1‑27.1‑03.5 and 12.1‑27.1‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide for a report to the legislative management; and to provide a penalty.
SB 2386 amends North Dakota's cottage food law to restrict how small-scale food businesses can sell products. It prohibits interstate sales, internet/phone/mail transactions, and the sale of uninspected meat or poultry products, with specific limits for poultry: operators may slaughter no more than 1,000 birds yearly, cannot buy/sell outside their own production, and must ensure products are non-adulterated. This directly affects cottage food operators who sell homemade food, limiting their sales channels and product types. The law, signed by the governor on March 20, 2025, clarifies regulatory boundaries for these small businesses.
SB 2332 creates a new $25 million annual fund from state legacy earnings to support emergency services and public safety across North Dakota. The bill establishes an advisory board with representatives from fire, police, EMS, local governments, and tribal entities to award grants for specific priorities like recruiting personnel, modernizing response systems, expanding mental health crisis teams, and improving communications technology. These grants will directly assist local emergency services providers, rural fire districts, tribal governments, and communities seeking to enhance public safety coverage. The fund is funded through a dedicated annual transfer from the legacy earnings fund, with the Department of Emergency Services administering the grant program.
HB 1038 appropriates $15 million to replace state-owned uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that don’t meet federal security requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act and American Security Drone Act of 2023. It requires state agencies to return outdated UAVs to the uncrewed aircraft systems test site for disposal or sale, while providing new compliant UAVs, staff training, and a centralized registration system for agencies. The bill also allocates $11 million for a state radar data pathfinder program to integrate federal radar data with state UAV operations, enhance security protocols, and improve safety and infrastructure. Both programs require reports by June 2026 detailing implementation, costs, and compliance needs. The bill directly affects state agencies using UAVs and aims to ensure federal regulatory compliance.
HB 1037 allocates $750,000 to each of five state departments (agriculture commissioner, attorney general, transportation department, health and human services, and career and technical education) for grants to support autonomous technology use. It provides funding for agriculture businesses to inspect property with drones, law enforcement for missing persons searches and crime scenes, and transportation entities to monitor highways using uncrewed aircraft systems. Recipients must match state funds at a 1:4 ratio and report grant usage to the legislature. The funds are one-time, covering the 2025-2027 biennium, with each department required to submit reports detailing grant recipients and expenditures.
HB 1249 allocates one-time state funds for autonomous technology grants to four state agencies: $250,000 to the Attorney General for law enforcement tools (like drones for missing persons searches), $500,000 to Career and Technical Education for workforce training in oil/gas, $250,000 to Health and Human Services for rural emergency response, and $500,000 to the Agriculture Commissioner for farm technology. Each agency must establish application guidelines requiring grant recipients to certify their use of autonomous tech (e.g., drones, vehicles) aligns with the agency’s mission and provide a 1:4 matching fund ratio. Recipients must report grant usage to lawmakers during the 2025-2026 interim. The bill covers a two-year period starting July 2025, with all funding designated as one-time.
HB 1616 modifies North Dakota's voter list access rules to clarify who can obtain voter data and for what purposes. It allows candidates, political parties, and committees to access voter lists for election-related activities but prohibits selling or misusing the data. The bill also creates new protections by making "secured active" voter records exempt from disclosure and specifies that funds from producing voter lists must go into the secretary of state's general fund. These changes directly affect political campaigns, election officials, and voters whose data is managed through the central voter file.
HB 1239 protects digital asset mining operations in North Dakota by preventing local governments from banning or restricting them in residential areas (if noise rules are followed) or imposing stricter rules than for other commercial businesses. It exempts blockchain-related activities - like operating nodes, mining, or developing blockchain software - from requiring a money transmitter license. The bill defines key terms such as "digital asset" (including cryptocurrencies and NFTs) and "digital asset mining" (using computers to validate blockchain transactions). These provisions directly affect miners, blockchain businesses, and local zoning authorities by creating clear regulatory boundaries for the industry.
HB 1320 would prohibit creating or distributing AI-altered videos or images that falsely depict someone without their consent, with the intent to deceive. This applies to anyone sharing such "deepfake" content, including on social media or other platforms. Violations would be classified as a class A misdemeanor, potentially resulting in fines or jail time. The law specifically targets deceptive digital content meant to harm reputations or spread misinformation.
