Sen. Tim Mathern

Relating to prohibiting agencies from entering nondisclosure agreements concerning data centers and industrial projects; to provide a penalty; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 2370 sets a $25 maximum out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply of insulin drugs and related medical supplies (like test strips, syringes, and glucose meters) under most North Dakota health insurance plans. It directly affects residents with diabetes who rely on insulin coverage through private insurance, requiring plans to cap costs at $25 for both insulin medications and essential supplies. The bill prohibits insurers from imposing deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing that exceeds these limits, while excluding Medicare Part D plans and devices like insulin pumps. It amends existing insurance coverage laws to enforce these caps, with the law set to expire on July 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis North Dakota concurrent resolution (SCR 4017) declares pornography a public health hazard and directs the Legislative Management to study its detrimental impacts. It specifically calls for examining how pornography affects children's development, contributes to societal issues like sex trafficking, and causes individual health problems such as relationship difficulties and addiction. The resolution does not create new laws but requests a formal study to inform future education, prevention, and policy efforts. It was passed unanimously (93-1) and signed by leadership in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1466 proposes changes to the North Dakota Century Code regarding distilleries. Specifically, it amends the definitions of both domestic and manufacturing distilleries, clarifying their legal classifications. The bill also updates the regulations governing satellite locations associated with these distilleries. This legislation directly affects businesses that produce and sell distilled spirits in the state by modifying the rules for their operations and potential additional retail points.

Maddy summaryHB 1581 allocates $500,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Commerce for tribal tourism grants during the 2025-2027 biennium. It directly affects tribal governments within North Dakota, allowing them to apply for grants of up to $100,000 each to promote and enhance tourism opportunities on tribal lands. The bill provides a funding mechanism through existing state resources, not new programs, to support tribal economic development. This appropriation requires the Department of Commerce to administer the grants and submit a legislative management report on their use.

Maddy summaryHB 1197 creates a $50 million jail improvement fund (funded by a transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund) to provide grants for county jail upgrades, remodeling, or replacements. The bill establishes a committee with legislative members, county representatives, and corrections stakeholders to review applications and approve grants. Counties receiving grants must contribute at least 25% of project costs, and at least 25% of annual funds must support projects in counties with populations under 15,000. The law, signed by the governor in April 2025, directly affects North Dakota counties and correctional facilities by enabling targeted infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 1603 appropriates $500,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the state historical society for compliance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The funds establish a committee with tribal historic preservation officers, state agencies, and the attorney general's office to prioritize returning human remains, sacred objects, and culturally significant items to North Dakota tribes. Tribes must contribute up to $100,000 in matching funds for committee efforts, and all funds must be tracked separately. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for new scientific studies of ancestral remains. This law directly affects North Dakota tribes and the state historical society by enabling repatriation efforts under federal law.

Relating to the creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 allocates $2 million from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Transportation for grants supporting nonfixed route public transit services. These grants directly assist public transportation providers (such as rural or on-demand transit systems) during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream for nonfixed route transit programs without altering existing service requirements or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1205 allows parents or their agents to anonymously leave infants under 60 days old in secure, 24/7 monitored safety devices at designated hospitals or leave them with on-duty staff at approved locations without facing prosecution under certain criminal codes. The bill defines "newborn safety devices" as temperature-controlled, alarm-equipped units visible to staff, and requires hospitals to accept infants without asking for parent information or medical history. It also creates a numbered identification bracelet system to link parents to infants for potential reunification, while guaranteeing confidentiality of parent identities unless the infant was harmed. The law provides immunity to hospitals and staff for accepting infants under these provisions and mandates a public awareness campaign about the program.