Rep. Mike Nathe

Maddy summaryHB 1258 amends a section of the North Dakota Century Code related to the siting of energy conversion and transmission facilities. This bill modifies the rules and processes for approving where facilities like power plants or major transmission lines can be built. It affects energy companies seeking to develop projects and the state's regulatory body responsible for their approval. A key provision states that these changes will apply retroactively, meaning they could impact projects already in progress or previously considered under older rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1177 amends North Dakota's public employees retirement system definition to include correctional officers who are enrolled in, but have not yet completed, a state-approved training course. This change directly affects correctional facility workers in North Dakota who are currently in training for their roles. The key provision expands eligibility for retirement benefits to these trainees by adding them to the official definition of "correctional officer" under the retirement system code. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility for already certified officers.

Maddy summaryHB 1137 requires drivers with mobility-impaired parking permits to display the permit visibly - either hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard - when using a reserved parking space. This applies directly to individuals with mobility impairments or those transporting them. The bill specifies that no part of the permit may be obscured and imposes a $5 fee for violations. The law, now signed into effect, clarifies display requirements to ensure proper use of designated parking spaces.

Relating to term limits for the governor, lieutenant governor, statewide elected officials, and members of the legislative assembly and prior years of service for members of the legislative assembly and statewide elected officers; to repeal sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of article XV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to cumulative term limits for members of the legislative assembly and the office of governor, and legislative authority, and initiative petition processes; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill consolidates and updates the fee schedule for North Dakota driver's licenses and related services into a single section (39-06-49) of the Century Code. It directly affects all drivers applying for, renewing, or modifying licenses, including commercial drivers and those seeking endorsements. Key provisions include standardizing fees for commercial license applications ($15), endorsements ($3 each), nonresident commercial licenses ($20), and driving record requests ($3 for employers). The bill does not change the actual fee amounts but reorganizes where these fees are referenced in state law for clarity and administrative efficiency.

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.

Relating to placing the name of a candidate on the primary election ballot; and to repeal sections 16.1‑11‑05.1, 16.1‑11‑09, and 16.1‑11‑36 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to party organization endorsements, certificates of endorsement, and the minimum vote required at a primary election for nomination.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 1463 requires that district political organizations in North Dakota hold their endorsing caucuses and official committee meetings within the geographic boundaries of their legislative district, as defined by law. The bill specifies that if a district overlaps multiple incorporated cities, meetings must be held within that city's boundaries. It does not change election rules or candidate selection but sets procedural location requirements for internal party meetings. This is a procedural bill focused solely on meeting locations, not policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryHCR 3022 is a non-binding resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study whether local governments (such as counties and cities) should invest public funds in stablecoins. The proposed study would examine security risks, financial oversight, stakeholder input, and practical considerations like cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. It does not authorize any investments but would gather data to inform future policy decisions. The resolution failed to pass in February 2025 after a vote of 15-75.