Sen. Dean Rummel

Maddy summaryHB 1576 requests a study by North Dakota's legislative management to examine how oil and gas tax revenues are distributed to local governments (like cities and counties). The study, to be completed during the 2025-26 interim, would analyze current and historical revenue allocations and assess whether distribution levels align with infrastructure needs tied to oil and gas development. It would require the legislative management to report findings and proposed legislation to the 2027 legislature. The bill does not change current revenue rules but aims to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1370 clarifies the scope of administrative hearings for drivers who refuse roadside breath or oral fluid screening tests. It specifies that hearings can only review whether law enforcement had reasonable grounds to suspect impairment, whether the driver was arrested, and whether they refused the test. This affects drivers facing license revocation for refusing screening tests and ensures hearings focus strictly on these procedural issues. The bill updates existing North Dakota law (sections 39-20-05 and 39-20-14) without changing penalties for refusal.

Relating to the statewide property tax levy of one mill for support of the state medical center at the University of North Dakota; and to provide an effective date.

Maddy summarySB 2331 establishes a working group to manage wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, directly affecting park operations, local tourism, and conservation efforts. The group must maintain the wild horse population above 200 through nonlethal methods (like birth control or relocation), promote horse-related tourism, and submit annual reports to lawmakers. It requires a $50,000 state appropriation for the 2025-2027 biennium to support these activities. The bill mandates quarterly meetings and collaboration with the National Park Service, focusing on concrete management and tourism strategies without specifying outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 2206 changes North Dakota law regarding civil lawsuits involving commercial motor carriers (like trucking companies) and safety belt usage. It reduces the statute of limitations for certain injury or death claims from three years to two years and caps non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) at $500,000 per case against these carriers. The bill also clarifies that failing to wear a safety belt in a vehicle, as required by law, cannot be used as direct evidence of negligence in court but may reduce awarded damages by up to 1% if proven to have contributed to the injury. These changes apply specifically to civil actions arising from commercial motor vehicle operations.

Relating to posttraumatic stress disorder duration limits; to amend and reenact subsection 11 of section 65‑01‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to workers' compensation coverage for posttraumatic stress disorder; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 2311 proposes to establish a bioscience innovation grant program in North Dakota, providing funding to small bioscience businesses (with less than $2.5 million in annual sales and at least two employees) for innovation and commercialization. The program would require grant recipients to match up to 50% of funding and prohibit use for capital improvements, academic programming, or workforce training. It aims to support job creation for state university graduates, foster new bioscience startups, and advance technologies in areas like crop genetics, biofuels, and livestock operations. The program would be administered through a collaborative committee involving state agencies, universities, and a bioscience association.

Maddy summarySCR 4004 is a joint resolution designating April 21-28, 2025, as "North Dakota Dark Sky Week." It urges building owners, operators, and tenants to voluntarily reduce unnecessary lighting during migration seasons to help protect birds and reduce light pollution. The resolution specifically encourages participation in observing and supporting dark sky resources, without creating new legal requirements or penalties.

Relating to the provision of an income tax credit for purchases of manufacturing and animal agricultural machinery and equipment to automate a manufacturing or animal agricultural process; to amend and reenact subdivision j of subsection 3 of section 54‑35‑26 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to evaluation of economic development tax incentives; and to provide an effective date.

Relating to the legacy sinking and interest fund and the legacy earnings fund; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.