Rep. Alisa Mitskog

Maddy summaryHB 1415 amends North Dakota law to explicitly exempt work schedule records of employees in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and law enforcement agencies from public disclosure. This means these specific scheduling records, which were previously subject to public records requests, will no longer be accessible to the public under state law. The bill directly affects corrections and law enforcement staff by shielding their work schedules from transparency requests. The change clarifies and codifies an existing exemption within the state's public records statute.

Maddy summaryHB 1331 appropriates $1.75 million (including up to $250,000 from dining services revenues) to North Dakota State College of Science for a one-time construction project. The funds are specifically designated to build an artificial turf playing surface, effective immediately and ending June 30, 2027. The bill declares an emergency to expedite this funding allocation. This measure directly affects the college's athletic facilities and requires no legislative action beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 1213 establishes a new "Jail Improvement Revolving Loan Fund" administered by the Bank of North Dakota to provide low-interest loans for jail infrastructure projects. It directly affects counties and regional correctional authorities, enabling them to apply for loans (up to $40 million at 2% interest over 30 years) to renovate, expand, or replace aging jail facilities meeting specific cost and capacity criteria. The bill creates a committee to review applications based on factors like inmate occupancy, structure age, and community support, and mandates a $200 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to seed the new loan program for the 2025-2027 biennium. The fund operates as a revolving loan program, with principal and interest repayments replenishing the fund for future projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 creates a special education funding study committee to examine current funding models in North Dakota during the 2025-26 legislative interim. The committee, composed of legislators, school administrators, special education directors, and business managers, will review funding approaches including student contracts, high-cost student support, residential placements, and Medicaid reimbursement. It must submit findings and legislative recommendations to the 70th legislative assembly by the end of the interim period. This bill directly affects North Dakota's public school systems and special education programs by initiating a formal review of how funding is structured.

Maddy summaryHB 1252 creates a dedicated tribal health care coordination fund in North Dakota's state treasury, providing ongoing state funding to tribal governments for public health services. Funds are distributed based on each tribe's federal care coordination funding, with strict requirements: tribes must use funds for core public health services (limiting capital construction to 50% until 2027, then 35%), submit annual reports, and undergo biennial independent audits. The state department of health withholds funds for missing reports or improper use, and can restore distributions once compliance is verified. This bill directly affects North Dakota's tribal nations by establishing formalized, accountable funding for health programs aligned with federal public health priorities.

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summarySB 2219 requires North Dakota public libraries to disburse surplus library materials statewide and submit annual reports. It amends two sections of the state code: Section 54-24-03 now mandates distributing unused library materials to libraries across the state, and Section 54-24.2-01 adds a requirement for libraries to complete and submit annual reports by the end of each calendar year. These changes directly affect all public libraries seeking state financial aid. The bill establishes clear, administrative procedures for managing library resources and reporting compliance. It was enacted on March 17, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2145 protects employees of North Dakota's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, 211 information helpline, and 911 systems from civil lawsuits when providing services, unless they act with willful misconduct or gross negligence. The law grants these employees immunity from claims related to their work, ensuring they can assist callers without fear of legal action for ordinary errors. This immunity does not affect existing protections for state or local government entities or their employees. The bill became law after the governor signed it on March 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 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.