Sen. Todd Beard

Maddy summarySB 2355 would require North Dakota's public school science standards to include "intelligent design" as a "viable scientific theory" for all K-12 students by August 2027. The bill mandates the state superintendent to add it to curriculum standards, provide teachers with instructional materials supporting this view, and offer required training. The measure failed to pass in February 2025, receiving 22 votes in favor and 25 against. It directly affects science education content and teacher preparation in North Dakota public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 would have established new rules for student eligibility in North Dakota high school sports and activities. It requires the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) to presume no undue influence in student recruitment and allows students to verify residency using documents like utility bills or lease agreements. The bill specifically prohibits NDHSAA from demanding proof that a parent vacated a previous home and ensures students in joint custody situations gain immediate eligibility upon enrolling in a new school district after moving. These provisions aim to simplify residency verification and prevent delays for students transitioning between school districts.

Maddy summarySB 2131 would change how North Dakota distributes state funds to workforce training centers. It requires the state board to allocate 60% of funding equally among all centers, 20% based on each center's average annual training hours over the prior three years, and 20% based on each center's average number of unique participants over the same period. The bill directly affects all designated workforce training centers in the state by altering their funding formula. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass the legislature on February 17, 2025, with 16 votes in favor and 29 against.

Maddy summarySB 2301 would adjust North Dakota's homestead tax credit for qualifying seniors and permanently disabled residents. It changes income eligibility thresholds to 325% of federal poverty guidelines (up from $40,000) and increases the maximum credit from $9,000 to $13,500 based on household size. The bill also clarifies that the credit continues if a recipient resides in a care facility (like a nursing home) without renting their homestead. This would directly affect older adults and disabled residents meeting income limits, providing relief on property taxes for their primary homes. The proposed changes would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Relating to weather modification operations in the state; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 37‑17.1‑11, and sections 58‑03‑07, 61‑02.1‑02.1, and 61‑16.1‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to weather modification; to repeal section 37‑17.1‑15 and chapter 61‑04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to weather modification; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1506 would have exempted enrolled members of federally recognized North Dakota tribes from the state's motor vehicle excise tax when purchasing a vehicle within the state, but only if their primary residence is on a reservation or in an Indian service area. The bill specifically required that the vehicle be acquired within North Dakota and that the tribal member reside on tribal land to qualify for the exemption. It was scheduled to take effect for tax events after June 30, 2025. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was withdrawn from consideration on January 27, 2025, and is not currently law.

Relating to the infrastructure revolving loan fund and accrued and unpaid interest in western area water supply authority loans; to amend and reenact subsection 13 of section 61‑40‑05, and sections 61‑40‑09, 61‑40‑10, and 61‑40-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the oversight of the western area water supply authority and infrastructure revolving loan fund payments; and to provide an appropriation.

Relating to preferred pronouns and providing accommodations to a transgender student; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

Relating to the definition of a public library and required safety policies and technology protection measures; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑27.1‑01, sections 12.1‑27.1‑03.1, and 12.1‑27.1‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.

Relating to the establishment of an educational reimbursement program; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.