Maddy summaryHB 1257 amends North Dakota's legislative code to set specific timing, duration, and agenda requirements for the organizational session of the state legislature. It requires all newly elected and continuing legislators to meet in Bismarck during the first two weeks of December in even-numbered years for a session lasting at least five business days. The bill mandates that the organizational session agenda include mandatory items like new legislator orientation, committee reports, party caucus discussions, budget presentations, and procedural reviews. This procedural bill directly affects all North Dakota state legislators by standardizing how the legislature prepares for its annual regular session. The changes aim to ensure the legislature is fully organized and ready to begin substantive work by the start of the regular session.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 4026 is a concurrent resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study whether creating a state-owned association for oil and gas development would be feasible and desirable. The resolution specifically asks for an analysis of establishing such an entity to handle exploration, extraction, transportation, processing, and sales of oil and gas products, aiming to replicate models like the Bank of North Dakota. It would not create the association itself but would require a report with recommendations to the next legislative session. This resolution directly affects state government operations by initiating a study, not by changing laws or impacting citizens or businesses. The bill failed to pass during the 2025 legislative session after committee review.
Maddy summarySCR 4014 is a procedural resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study election and political party activities in legislative districts containing tribal lands. It requires examining whether current electoral practices ensure equal voting access for all qualified voters in these districts, including how recent court cases have impacted redistricting and the historical use of smaller voting areas (subdistricts). The study must assess if changes to electoral rules are needed to prevent future legal challenges and ensure fair participation. Legislative Management must then report its findings and any recommended policy changes to the next legislative session.
Maddy summarySCR 4016 is a resolution directing North Dakota's Legislative Management to study whether using separate ballots for partisan primary elections (organized by political party) would improve the primary election process. It does not change current election rules but asks for an analysis of this specific ballot structure, which is not currently used in North Dakota. The study would also examine how political parties access voter data from primary elections, as referenced in the resolution's context. This resolution, which failed to pass in February 2025, only directs a study and does not implement any new policy. It affects Legislative Management staff, who would conduct the study and report findings to the next legislative session.
Relating to a district endorsing caucus or convention; and to amend and reenact sections 16.1‑03‑11, 16.1‑03‑14, 16.1‑11‑01, 16.1‑12‑10, and 16.1‑13‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to state party conventions and endorsing caucuses or conventions for primary and general elections.
Maddy summarySCR 4015 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase North Dakota's public service commission from three to five members. It requires the state legislature to divide North Dakota into five districts for elections, with each district electing one commissioner. The amendment mandates the legislature to establish these districts by January 2027, based on the 2020 census, and sets the first election for the additional members for 2028. If approved by voters in 2026, the changes would take effect with commissioners assuming office in 2029. This bill directly affects how public service commissioners are elected and represents a structural change to the state's regulatory body.
Maddy summaryHB 1457 would create a new exemption allowing individuals to avoid required vaccines (for school, work, or licensing) if the vaccine doesn't meet specific safety and effectiveness standards. These standards require the FDA-approved vaccine to have undergone at least one year of safety testing against a placebo, with injury data publicly posted, a lower risk of serious harm than the disease itself, and manufacturer liability for deaths or injuries. The North Dakota Department of Health must publicize this exemption and prohibit state agencies from requiring conditions inconsistent with it. The bill failed to pass during its second reading in February 2025.
Maddy summaryHCR 3020 is a symbolic resolution urging North Dakota to formally acknowledge "the Kingship of Jesus Christ" based on religious references in the bill text. It does not create new laws, policies, or requirements; instead, it requests the state adopt this religious acknowledgment. The resolution would have required the Secretary of State to forward copies to the Governor, President, and congressional delegation. The bill failed to pass the legislature on February 18, 2025, with 31 votes in favor and 59 against.
Relating to the powers of a board of county commissioners, a board of city commissioners, and a city council regarding development by a foreign country of concern or foreign organization of concern, prohibiting ownership of real property by a foreign country of concern or a foreign organization of concern, and required filings for foreign persons investing in agricultural lands; to repeal section 47‑10.1‑05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to required filings for foreign persons investing in agricultural lands; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; to provide a contingent effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
Maddy summaryHB 1353 would limit how much property taxes can increase annually for North Dakota taxing districts (like cities, counties, and school districts) without voter approval. It caps annual increases at either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower, with specific exceptions for new taxable property, changes in exemptions, or existing debt payments. Taxing districts could carry forward unused increases for up to three years but must seek voter approval (60%+ vote) for any increase exceeding the cap. The bill would apply to all taxing districts except for certain bonded debt payments, state medical center levies, and specific conservation district taxes.