Rep. Christina Wolff

Relating to campaign disclosure statements; to amend and reenact sections 15.1‑09‑08, 15.1‑09‑19, and 16.1‑01‑12, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 16.1‑10‑02, section 16.1‑10‑04.1, subdivision f of subsection 8 of section 51‑28‑01, subsection 11 of section 54‑66‑01, and section 54‑66‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to campaign disclosure statements, authorized use of state property for political purposes, and inflationary adjustments for campaign finance reporting thresholds; to repeal chapter 16.1‑08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to campaign disclosure statements; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1440 sets requirements for businesses to operate as cigar lounges in North Dakota. To qualify, a business must generate at least 15% of its annual gross income from cigar sales, have a humidor, be fully enclosed with solid walls/windows/ceiling/door, and install a ventilation system that prevents smoke from spreading to nonsmoking areas. Businesses must apply for a tax commissioner certificate by reporting compliance with these conditions and submit annual reports verifying the 15% cigar sales threshold to maintain the certificate. This bill directly affects businesses seeking to operate as cigar lounges by establishing specific operational, financial, and ventilation standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1247 proposes to create a new section within the North Dakota Century Code's chapter on school districts. This bill aims to establish specific protections for students who are victims of a sexual offense. It directly affects student victims and requires school districts to implement the new provisions designed to safeguard these students.

Relating to evaluations conducted by appraisers; and to amend and reenact sections 43‑23.3‑01, 43‑23.3‑04, and 43‑23.3‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definitions of agency and evaluation, an exemption from appraisal permit requirements, and the standards of professional appraisal practice.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 amends North Dakota's criminal code to update penalties for drivers who cause injury while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. It specifically revises subsection 2 of section 39-08-01.2 in the North Dakota Century Code, adjusting the legal consequences for this offense. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of DUI-related injury incidents by establishing a new penalty structure under the amended code section. This change modifies the sentencing framework for these specific criminal violations without altering the underlying offense definition.

Maddy summaryThe bill SB 2299 amends specific sections of North Dakota's Century Code related to water district oversight. It modifies provisions in sections 54-10-14, 54-10-15, 61-35-09, and 61-35-10, though the exact nature of the changes is not detailed in the provided abstract. The bill directly affects water districts and their regulatory framework within North Dakota. Without additional details on the specific amendments, the precise policy changes cannot be summarized. (Note: The official abstract and summary provided do not contain sufficient detail to describe the concrete mechanisms or provisions.)

Maddy summaryHB 1326 amends North Dakota's self-defense law to clarify that individuals cannot claim self-defense if they were unlawfully carrying a firearm at the time of an incident. Specifically, the bill adds that possessing a firearm in violation of state law (e.g., without a permit or due to a disqualifying offense) automatically disqualifies a person from using self-defense as a legal justification. This directly affects people who might otherwise argue self-defense while illegally holding a gun. The key provision (Section 12.1-05-03, subsection 3c) explicitly states that unlawful firearm possession negates self-defense claims during encounters involving imminent harm. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1134 prohibits the intentional online sharing of personally identifying information (like addresses, Social Security numbers, or phone numbers) to intimidate, harass, or frighten someone or their household or immediate family members. It defines "dissemination" as posting such information online or in public forums, and makes violations a class A misdemeanor, with harsher penalties (up to a class A felony) if the act causes bodily injury, serious harm, or death. The law applies to all electronic communications originating in or accessible within North Dakota and directly affects individuals targeted by such online harassment. Penalties increase based on the severity of harm caused, aiming to protect victims from digital intimidation campaigns.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 would have required North Dakota's legislative management to conduct a study on limiting the development and release of self-spreading viruses and bacteria. The study would have examined who is involved in such work, health impacts and data on adverse effects, potential enforcement measures, and possible exceptions. It was not a law but a procedural request for analysis, intended to inform future legislation. The bill failed to pass in the March 2025 legislative session (16 yeas, 29 nays) and remains inactive. No policy changes were enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 amends North Dakota's definition of "dangerous weapon" to explicitly include items like switchblades, gravity knives, machetes, certain martial arts weapons (e.g., nunchaku), BB guns, and weapons expelling projectiles via air/gas. It also clarifies that the definition excludes business tools, defensive sprays (CS/CN agents), and non-projectile stun devices. The bill did not pass the legislature, failing with 39 votes in favor and 53 against on February 25, 2025. This change would directly affect individuals possessing these specific items, altering how they are classified under state law.