Sen. Robert Erbele

Relating to the definition of a public library, required safety policies and technology protection measures, and the state's attorney's review of public libraries, school districts, and state agencies for compliance with statutes protecting minors from explicit sexual material; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑27.1‑01, subsection 2 of section 12.1‑27.1‑03.1, and sections 12.1‑27.1‑03.5 and 12.1‑27.1‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide for a report to the legislative management; and to provide a penalty.

Maddy summarySB 2327 amends North Dakota law concerning the agriculture diversification and development fund and its overseeing committee. The bill outlines and modifies how this fund can be utilized to support agricultural initiatives and projects within the state. It also includes an appropriation, allocating specific funds, and provides for the transfer of money related to this agricultural development effort. This legislation directly impacts the North Dakota agriculture sector and the administration of resources aimed at diversifying and developing the state's agricultural economy.

Maddy summaryBased on the provided title and abstract, HB 1280 relates to the maintenance of drainage projects in North Dakota. The bill specifically proposes to amend and reenact section 61-16.1-45 of the North Dakota Century Code. The provided context does not offer further details on the specific changes or mechanisms the bill introduces regarding drainage project maintenance.

Maddy summarySB 2218 appropriates $500,000 from North Dakota's strategic investment fund to provide a one-time grant to the North Dakota Firefighter's Association. The funds must cover costs for constructing a new association building, effective immediately through June 30, 2027. This bill directly affects the Firefighter's Association by enabling their new facility project. The legislation is designated as an emergency measure to expedite funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 requires that 15% of mule deer licenses available for the regular gun season in the previous year must be reserved for nonresident hunters using bows. This law directly affects nonresident hunters seeking to hunt mule deer in North Dakota with bow and arrow equipment. The key provision mandates this specific reservation percentage for mule deer licenses, applying to the licenses made available for the regular gun season. The bill amends North Dakota Century Code section 20.1-03-11 to implement this change, which was signed into law in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends a section of North Dakota's Century Code to update the procedural requirements for publishing an abstract of an annual statement. This procedural change affects entities required to submit annual statements (such as state agencies or regulated organizations), altering how their abstracts must be published. The bill does not change the content of the annual statements themselves but revises the publication process for compliance. It is a technical update to administrative procedures, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2286 proposes authorizing the University of North Dakota (UND) to borrow up to $55 million through a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota during 2025-2027, with interest capped at rates for state entities. It also appropriates $95 million in one-time funding for UND to construct a new health sciences facility at its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The facility aims to expand health workforce capacity in areas like behavioral health and wellness, while supporting research and academic programs. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on April 8, 2025, with 6 votes in favor and 87 against.

Maddy summaryHB 1444 amends North Dakota law to clarify the process for adding local roads to the county road system. It requires county commissioners to notify townships when a road meets criteria under section 24-05-16 and is under township jurisdiction, and to hold a public meeting for community input before making a final decision. This directly affects county commissioners, townships, and residents who use these local roads, ensuring transparency in road system expansion. The bill does not change road maintenance responsibilities but adds a procedural step for community engagement.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 modifies North Dakota law governing bridges and culverts over drainage systems that intersect roads. It requires the water resource board to construct bridges/culverts for private land access, with costs shared between the board and land districts, and mandates counties to maintain these structures with 40% cost responsibility. For state highway culverts crossing drains spanning three or more counties, the bill requires installation of control valve systems to manage water flow. This bill directly affects counties, water resource boards, and land districts responsible for drainage infrastructure maintenance and costs.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 4012) from the North Dakota legislature urges Congress to permit the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on private land. It directly affects livestock producers and wildlife management programs by seeking to allow these devices to control predators that threaten livestock and endangered species. The resolution states that when used with landowner permission and safety measures (like warning signs), the devices pose no occupational risk to humans. As a non-binding request to Congress, it does not change current law but asks for legislative action to permit their use on private property.