Sen. Scott Meyer

Relating to a temporary moratorium on conducting an economic analysis for assessment drain projects; to amend and reenact section 61‑02‑01.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to comprehensive water development plans; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 2265 authorizes North Dakota's Department of Veterans' Affairs to borrow up to $3 million from the Bank of North Dakota during the 2025-2027 biennium. This one-time funding is specifically for granting a nonprofit organization to cover construction costs of a welcome center, parking lot, and related infrastructure at a state veterans' national cemetery. The bill requires the department to certify U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs oversight before using funds and mandates repayment of the line of credit via a separate legislative appropriation. It also requires the grant recipient to submit detailed financial reports to the department, which must then share these with the legislative audit committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1524 creates a formal grant program allowing North Dakota's Department of Commerce to fund regional planning councils. The bill directs the department to award grants supporting local implementation of state programs like housing, workforce development, rural economic initiatives, and local food systems, subject to annual legislative funding. These grants can cover program execution, resource development, and efforts to attract public or private investment in communities. The law, signed by the governor in May 2025, directly affects regional planning councils and the local communities they serve.

Relating to the amount of statutory fees, speed limitations on multilane highways, variable speed limits, alteration of maximum speed limits on state highways, speed zone reduction limitations, and city fines and penalties; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 creates a new section in North Dakota state law to establish an Advanced Technology Review Committee, an Advanced Technology Grant Program, and a dedicated grant fund. The bill sets up a formal system for awarding grants to support advanced technology initiatives, with the committee managing applications and the fund providing financial resources. This directly affects organizations, businesses, or institutions seeking funding for technology projects within the state. The key mechanism is the creation of a structured, state-funded program to advance technology development through grants.

Relating to qualifying nonresident medical marijuana patients; to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 19‑24.1‑01, subsection 4 of section 19‑24.1‑01, subsection 8 of section 19‑24.1‑01, subsection 26 of section 19‑24.1‑01, subsection 47 of section 19‑24.1‑01, and sections 19‑24.1‑03, 19‑24.1‑11, and 19‑24.1‑37 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to allowable amounts of usable medical marijuana, medical marijuana recordkeeping, cannabinoid edible products, patient qualifications, and disclosure of information.

Maddy summarySB 2225 appropriates $50 million from North Dakota's Strategic Investment Fund to the Department of Commerce for grants supporting housing infrastructure. The bill provides funding to local communities (with allocations based on population size) to lower costs for infrastructure needed for market-rate housing projects, requiring a 1:1 match from local governments, developers, and private funds. Communities must use the funds for infrastructure like roads or utilities to support new housing, with reporting requirements to the legislature by June 2026. The program expires June 30, 2027, and aims to address housing needs in both urban and rural areas.

Relating to the establishment of the North Dakota center for aerospace medicine for mental health support and certification assistance; and to provide an appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 appropriates $8.45 million from North Dakota's general fund for a one-time grant program to provide appreciation bonuses to eligible peace and correctional officers. State agencies and local governments (political subdivisions) qualify for reimbursement based on the number of peace officers employed in law enforcement for at least four consecutive years. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation receives direct funding based on its correctional officers' tenure. Funds must be used exclusively to award each eligible officer a salary bonus of up to $6,000 annually, with the Attorney General administering the program in consultation with relevant boards. The program covers the 2025-2027 biennium.

Relating to a value-added agriculture facility incentive program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.