Rep. Dan Ruby

Maddy summaryHB 1306 would revise North Dakota's rules for charging fees when requesting public records. It sets a 25-cent fee per paper copy (max 8.5x14 inches), requires actual costs for non-paper copies, and allows up to $25 per hour for locating records (with free annual service for state citizens under 40 hours). Public entities could charge for postage, require payment before processing, and withhold records until prior balances are paid. The bill specifically applies to government agencies handling public records requests.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 updates North Dakota's special registration for farm and forestry vehicles by clarifying definitions and revising fee structures. It defines "farm vehicles" as trucks/trailers under 105,500 lbs used exclusively for farm operations (not commercial business) and creates a separate "forestry vehicle" category for forestry-related work. The bill establishes a tiered fee schedule based on vehicle weight and years registered, with lower rates for qualifying vehicles compared to commercial rates. This directly affects North Dakota farmers and forestry business owners who register eligible heavy-duty vehicles for non-commercial farm or forestry use.

Maddy summarySB 2266 provides $36,318 in one-time funding from North Dakota's state disaster relief fund to the Private Investigation and Security Board. The grant covers costs the board incurred due to an unlawful protest related to a pipeline. Funding is authorized from the bill's effective date through June 30, 2025. The bill declares an emergency to expedite this temporary appropriation for the specified purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 1366 would establish specific fee amounts for speeding violations in North Dakota, directly affecting drivers who exceed speed limits. The bill sets tiered fees based on how many miles per hour over the limit a driver was traveling (e.g., $5 for 1-5 mph over in most zones, escalating to $500 for 10+ mph over in certain high-speed zones), with higher fees for school zones ($40 for 1-10 mph over) and construction zones ($80 for 1-10 mph over). It also specifies additional fees for violations like failing to yield to pedestrians or speeding in commercial vehicle safety rules. The bill does not change speed limits or enforcement procedures, only the financial penalties for specific speeding offenses.

Relating to step therapy protocols; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summaryHB 1349 proposes capping noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in North Dakota health care malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 initially, with scheduled annual increases to $1.5 million (2026), $2 million (2027), and $2.5 million (2028). It directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and healthcare providers facing such lawsuits, while exempting claims involving unborn fetuses. The bill requires courts to reduce jury awards to meet the cap without informing juries of the limit. The legislation failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on February 7, 2025, with 30 votes in favor and 61 against.

Maddy summarySB 2184 would amend North Dakota law to require courts to grant additional parenting time to a parent falsely accused of harming a child. If a court finds a parent made a false harm allegation against the other parent (not in good faith), the court must order the false accuser to pay the other parent's legal costs and fees. The bill mandates that the falsely accused parent receives additional parenting time matching the denied time (e.g., weekends, holidays), to be scheduled within two years of the court's finding. This directly affects parents in custody disputes where false allegations led to denied court-ordered parenting time.

Maddy summaryHB 1240 would require auto insurance companies in North Dakota to offer policies with separate coverage for repairing or replacing damaged auto glass, distinct from standard comprehensive or collision coverage. This directly affects insurance providers writing auto policies and drivers who purchase comprehensive or collision insurance. The key provision mandates that any such glass coverage must include its own separate deductible, not shared with other policy deductibles. The bill aimed to make glass repairs more affordable by preventing drivers from having to meet the full deductible for other car damage when only the glass is broken.

Maddy summaryHB 1243 would require insurers to let vehicle owners choose whether to keep their car after it’s deemed a total loss (where repair costs exceed value) or let the insurer take it. The bill also prohibits insurers from charging owners extra fees to return the vehicle following a total loss determination. This directly affects North Dakota drivers with insurance policies covering physical damage who experience a total-loss accident. The bill aims to simplify ownership options and eliminate unexpected costs for policyholders in these situations.

Relating to the chairman and vice chairman of the legislative management; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.