Sen. Keith Boehm

Maddy summarySB 2175 requires North Dakota counties to conduct mandatory pre-election testing of voting systems at least one week before each election, using preaudited ballots to verify accuracy and detect errors. It also mandates random post-election audits in each county within six to eight days after voting, reviewing results from federal, statewide, legislative, and county contests. These audits must be performed by appointed election boards using logic and accuracy testing procedures, with results submitted to the Secretary of State for public reporting. The law directly affects county auditors, election officials, and the Secretary of State’s office, ensuring transparency in election results verification. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 19, 2025.

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 summarySB 2309 modifies North Dakota's rules for youth deer hunting permits by adjusting eligibility based on a hunter's age during the season. It allows youth aged 11-13 whose birthday falls during a deer season to receive either a statewide antlerless deer permit or a governor-proclaimed antlerless permit, while those aged 12-13 may apply for antelope permits. The bill requires all youth hunters under these provisions to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult who maintains constant visual and verbal contact. This directly affects young hunters (ages 11-13) and their adult supervisors during hunting seasons.

Maddy summaryHCR 3017 is a symbolic resolution designating December 6th as "Miner's Day" in North Dakota to honor coal miners. It recognizes coal miners' contributions to providing reliable, affordable energy (supplying 55% of the state's electricity) and supporting the economy ($5.5 billion in business activity, 12,000 jobs). The resolution urges the federal government to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding and revise regulations it claims disadvantage coal, while promoting carbon capture and coal-based technologies. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal effect, solely intended to publicly acknowledge coal miners' work and advocate for federal policy changes.

Maddy summaryNorth Dakota's legislature passed HCR 3015, a concurrent resolution urging grid operators Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to fix market rules causing reliable power plants to retire faster than replacements are built. The resolution argues current pricing fails to value steady, dispatchable energy sources needed for grid reliability, especially as weather-dependent generation grows and retirement rates accelerate. It specifically asks SPP and MISO to reform how they pay for power to ensure resources that maintain grid stability during peak demand or extreme weather remain economically viable. This resolution directly affects North Dakota residents and businesses dependent on consistent electricity service, as SPP and MISO manage the regional grid serving the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1178 requires North Dakota school districts to create policies allowing students who are qualified voters (18+ and registered) to leave campus during school hours to vote in elections. The policy must include conditions like time limits for absence or designated voting periods. This law directly affects high school students eligible to vote, enabling them to participate in elections without missing class. The bill became effective after being signed by the Governor on March 14, 2025. It establishes a concrete requirement for school districts to facilitate student voting access.

Relating to specie legal tender, the taxation of specie legal tender, and United States central bank digital currencies; to amend and reenact section 41‑01‑09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of United States central bank digital currency.

Maddy summaryHB 1472 would have created a legal framework for microschools in North Dakota - defined as educational programs serving no more than 50 students, operated by parents, entrepreneurs, or teachers. The bill would have allowed microschools to operate in homes, community spaces, or public venues without special zoning approvals, while exempting them from standard teacher certification, building codes, and childcare regulations. Parents would have needed to notify school districts of their child’s enrollment, but students would have still met school attendance requirements and been required to take standardized tests in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. The bill also ensured microschool students could not face discrimination in public school admissions or activities. (Note: The bill failed to pass in February 2025 with 41 votes in favor and 49 against.)

Maddy summaryHB 1352 would amend North Dakota law to allow churches and places of worship to permit individuals with valid concealed firearm permits to carry weapons inside their buildings. The bill creates liability protection for churches if they permit such carry, stating they cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by authorized individuals. It specifies that churches may allow concealed carry only for people already authorized under existing concealed carry laws (like reciprocity agreements) or with the church's approval. This policy change directly affects religious institutions and individuals seeking to carry firearms in places of worship, while maintaining prohibitions on firearms for most others in these settings.

Relating to possession of firearms or dangerous weapons at a publicly owned or operated building; and to amend and reenact section 62.1‑02‑05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to possession of firearms or dangerous weapons at a public gathering.