Sen. Diane Larson

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 2209) prevents victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse/neglect from being charged for medical exams used to gather crime evidence. It requires North Dakota's Attorney General to reimburse healthcare providers and children's advocacy centers for these exams using a $200,000 state appropriation. The law ensures victims (including children) and their guardians won't face direct billing for forensic exams or preliminary screenings. Evidence collected under this law cannot be used against victims for unrelated offenses. The funding supports domestic violence examiner programs and requires reporting on how funds are used and victim outcomes.

Relating to a state alert notice system; and to repeal sections 39‑03‑13.2 and 54‑12‑32 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the state's silver and blue alert notice systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1328 amends North Dakota law to change how schools and law enforcement refer students for minor offenses to juvenile court. It requires schools to first try disciplinary measures (like counseling or suspensions) before referring students for non-serious offenses on school property, unless the offense involves drugs, violence, sex crimes, or weapons. The bill also updates the definition of "custodian" to include school staff with legal responsibility for a child. These changes directly affect school officials, law enforcement, and students in North Dakota schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1224 simplifies the process for inheriting small estates in North Dakota by allowing claimants to collect assets using a sworn affidavit instead of court-appointed probate. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from a deceased person when the total estate value (minus debts) is under $510,000. The bill requires a 30-day wait after death, an affidavit confirming the estate size and no pending court proceedings, and allows debtors or transfer agents to release assets directly to the claimant. This eliminates the need for formal probate court involvement for qualifying small estates.

Relating to the cost of digital forensic examinations and the establishment of an internet crime investigation fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a penalty.

Relating to the definition of a children's advocacy center and the confidentiality of communications and records in the possession of a children's advocacy center.

Maddy summarySB 2229 requires sellers of condominium units or properties in homeowners' associations (HOAs) or condominium projects in North Dakota to provide prospective buyers with specific written disclosures about the property's financial and operational status. Key disclosures include current fees, unpaid assessments, reserve funds, bylaws, meeting minutes, insurance documents, pending lawsuits, and leasing restrictions. Sellers must provide these documents within ten days of signing a sales agreement, and buyers can void the contract if required documents aren't delivered on time. The bill aims to ensure transparency about ongoing financial obligations and association rules before a sale is finalized.

Maddy summarySB 2211 establishes a program to recruit and retain attorneys in underserved rural areas of North Dakota. It allows counties with 16,500 or fewer residents or municipalities with 5,000 or fewer residents to apply for participation. Eligible attorneys must commit to practicing full-time in a participating area for five years to receive a $45,000 incentive, paid in five annual installments (35% from the local government, 15% from bar associations, and 50% from the state). The program requires repayment if attorneys leave early and prohibits participation in other similar state or federal programs.

Maddy summarySB 2277 designates North Dakota State Highway 200 (from the Minnesota to Montana borders) as the "North Dakota Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Highway," requiring the state transportation department to install signs along the route. It allows families and associates of officers killed in the line of duty to request individual memorial markers on up to one mile of the highway. The bill also establishes a continuing appropriation to accept and use donated funds for sign placement, ensuring ongoing maintenance of the memorial. This affects the public by creating a permanent memorial site and directly involves families of fallen peace officers, law enforcement officers, and canine officers.

Maddy summaryHB 1137 requires drivers with mobility-impaired parking permits to display the permit visibly - either hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard - when using a reserved parking space. This applies directly to individuals with mobility impairments or those transporting them. The bill specifies that no part of the permit may be obscured and imposes a $5 fee for violations. The law, now signed into effect, clarifies display requirements to ensure proper use of designated parking spaces.