Sen. Robert Erbele

Relating to conservation easements and leaseholds; and to amend and reenact sections 4.1‑01‑21, 4.1‑01‑21.1, and 49‑22‑09.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the federal environmental law impact review fund, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; and to declare an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 1381 revises North Dakota's school funding formula to determine state aid for public school districts. It establishes a baseline funding amount using 2017-18 revenue data (including property taxes, tuition, mineral revenue, and other specific income sources) and calculates per-student funding based on this baseline. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the bill requires a 40% reduction in excess funding for districts exceeding the baseline, with annual reduction increases of 15% until the baseline per student matches the state's fixed payment rate. This affects all North Dakota public school districts by changing how their state aid is calculated and potentially reducing funding for those with higher historical revenue.

Maddy summarySB 2139 changes the fee for recording or rerecording livestock brands in North Dakota to $25.50 per application. This bill directly affects livestock owners who need to register or update brand markings on their animals. The key provision amends North Dakota Century Code section 4.1-73-14 to establish this specific fee amount. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2025, and filed with the Secretary of State on March 26, 2025. It represents a straightforward adjustment to administrative fees without altering livestock branding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 creates new state regulations for products called "beneficial substances" (substances that improve plant or soil health without being pesticides or standard fertilizers). It requires sellers to label products with clear information like ingredients, usage instructions, and net weight, and to obtain a $100 distributor license for each location. Sellers must also pay $50 per product for registration and $10 or $0.20 per ton for inspections, with penalties for late fees. Certain common soil products like compost, mulch, and garden soil are exempt from full labeling rules. The law directly affects businesses selling these agricultural products in North Dakota.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 amends North Dakota's agriculture infrastructure grant program to specifically fund road and bridge improvements needed for value-added agriculture businesses. It directs the agriculture commissioner (with transportation department input) to award grants to counties, cities, and townships for projects like corridor upgrades on local roads or access road/bridge repairs serving these businesses. The bill directly affects local governments managing infrastructure and businesses processing agricultural products (like food manufacturing or packaging). Key provisions require grants to target infrastructure directly supporting value-added agriculture operations, not general road maintenance. This law, signed by the governor on March 24, 2025, clarifies and expands the program's focus.

Maddy summaryHB 1539 amends North Dakota law to clarify definitions and set procedures for "backup electric generation" - temporary, non-grid-connected power systems used to replace primary generation during outages. It requires utilities to submit written certifications to the Public Service Commission before construction activities, confirming the work won't affect protected areas and complies with existing siting rules. This applies specifically to temporary power systems (e.g., during power emergencies) and affects utilities building or modifying such infrastructure. The law standardizes the approval process for construction near designated avoidance areas.

Maddy summaryNorth Dakota's SCR 4013 is a symbolic legislative resolution supporting the Electoral College system and opposing the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). It urges states to form an "Electoral College Interstate Compact" that would prohibit states from awarding electoral votes based on the national popular vote and require legal challenges to the NPVIC's constitutionality. The resolution specifically cites concerns that the NPVIC undermines state power, could lead to nationwide recounts, and may violate the Constitution's Compact Clause. This resolution does not change election laws but invites other states to join a proposed agreement opposing the NPVIC. It was approved by North Dakota's legislature and sent to 30 other states for consideration.

Maddy summarySB 2338 is a procedural bill that redraws North Dakota's legislative district boundaries by amending Section 54-03-01.14 of the Century Code. It defines the geographic boundaries for all 47 districts, including creating subdistricts for Districts 4 and 9 (requiring separate elections for representatives in each subdistrict). The bill does not change voting rules or create new policies - it solely updates the map for representation. The measure failed to pass in the Senate on March 21, 2025, with 3 yeas and 81 nays.

Relating to the maintenance or vacating of streets and alleys in a dissolved city and the care of property in a dissolved city; and to amend and reenact section 40‑53.1‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to dissolution, care of property, management, and disposition of funds in a dissolved city.

Relating to the authority to transact business associated with video livestock auction markets; and to repeal sections 4.1‑28‑03 and 4.1‑28‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to licensing and fees for video livestock auction market representatives.