Sen. Randy Lemm

Maddy summaryHB 1490 requires North Dakota school counselors to undergo periodic psychological evaluations by licensed psychologists to ensure they can safely and effectively provide student services. The bill mandates that counselors must obtain documentation from a psychologist confirming they lack conditions impairing their ability to work with students, with evaluations valid for two years. This applies specifically to licensed school counselors working in North Dakota public schools. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 19, 2025, with 18 votes in favor and 74 against.

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.

Relating to beef commission member appointments; and to amend and reenact section 4.1‑03‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to applicants for membership on the beef commission.

Relating to the imposition of motor vehicle excise tax and an exemption for motor vehicle excise tax paid or not assessed in other states; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summarySB 2168 amends North Dakota law to clarify that hunting within 402 meters (440 yards) of any occupied building, occupied structure, or storage structure without the property owner's consent is unlawful. The bill directly affects hunters who may operate near residential or commercial properties, requiring them to obtain permission before hunting in this buffer zone. Key provisions specify the 402-meter distance limit and mandate written consent from the property owner for hunting activity within that range. This update refines existing regulations to explicitly include storage structures in the restricted area.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 is a procedural bill that changes the name of "county job development authorities" to "economic development authorities" across several sections of North Dakota's state code. It directly affects county-level entities currently designated as job development authorities. The bill makes no policy changes - only updates the official name of these authorities to reflect a broader economic development focus. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but withdrawn before further consideration.

Relating to specified concepts at institutions of higher education.

Relating to joint water resource boards and the construction of a water project in more than one county; and to amend and reenact section 61‑16.1‑12.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to joint water resource boards.

Relating to fundamental parental rights and parental involvement in education.

Relating to exemption from insurance regulations for nonprofit agricultural membership organizations.