Legislative Overview – January 27-28
Streamlining Legislative Information: A More Focused Approach
In our ongoing effort to provide clear and concise legislative updates, we’re adjusting our communication strategy to help you stay informed without overwhelming you with excessive details.
Why We’re Changing Our Approach
We recognize that the sheer volume of information can be daunting. Our goal is to deliver more targeted, meaningful updates that empower you to understand and engage with the legislative process effectively.
Understanding the Legislative Journey
It’s crucial to remember that a bill’s passage through the first chamber is just the beginning of its legislative journey. At this stage, each bill remains:
- Potentially amendable
- Subject to further review
- Capable of being passed or failed in the subsequent chamber
Your Opportunity for Impact
Every bill is still in play during the “cross over” period. This means you have a meaningful opportunity to:
- Provide input
- Contact your representatives
- Influence the bill’s ultimate outcome
By focusing our updates, we aim to make legislative tracking more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Summary of Sessions in the House & Senate these two days is as follows:
11 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2027, SB2070, SB2089, SB2091, SB2092, SB2139, 2152, 2161, 2169, 2175, 2210. SCR4002 Adopted. Those that failed include: SB2148, SB2168, SB2197. Bill Withdrawn includes : SB2344.
17 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1076, HB1098, HB1134, HB1149, HB1160,HB1165, HB1209, HB1223, HB1228, HB1232, HB1241, HB1244, HB1259, HB1281, HB1293, HB1300, HB1426. Those that failed include: HB1050, HB1136, HB1240, HB1380, HB1406, HB1407. Bill Withdrawn includes: HB1506.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2089: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8123-01001m.pdf
This bill attempts to clarify the confidentiality of documents, materials, or information provided to the insurance commissioner during consumer assistance requests or complaints. It ensures that such information is not subject to open records requests, subpoenas, or admissible in civil actions. However, the commissioner can disclose general details about the disposition of the request or complaint and use the information for regulatory or legal actions. This bill primarily impacts the insurance sector, ensuring privacy for consumer-related records.
SB2091: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8130-01000.pdf
This proposes an amendment to section 26.1-36.7-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, adjusting reinsurance requirements for the Reinsurance Association of North Dakota. It specifies that for claims between $100,000 and $1,000,000 per plan year, member insurers must be reinsured for up to 75% of their responsibility for claims under individual non-grandfathered health plans. Additionally, the board is required to set attachment points and coinsurance percentages annually by April 1 of the preceding year. The bill includes an emergency clause, enabling immediate implementation upon passage.
Impacts on Stakeholders:
- Insurers: Increased clarity on reinsurance obligations and potential financial adjustments based on new attachment points and coinsurance rates.
- Policyholders: Potential stabilization of premium rates for certain health plans due to insurer cost-sharing.
- Reinsurance Association: Administrative changes to implement annual determinations and ensure compliance with adjusted reinsurance guidelines.
SB2092: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8133-01000.pdf
This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to life settlement producer licenses and reporting requirements. It modifies the timelines for license renewals and aligns the renewal terms for different license types (providers and brokers) with related insurance licenses. It also specifies that licenses issued in specific periods are exempt from renewal until the following calendar year.
Impacts:
- Life Settlement Providers and Brokers: Clearer renewal schedules and timelines.
- Insurance Industry: Standardized processes across licenses.
- Regulators: Administrative changes for tracking renewals.
SB2139: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0581-01000.pdf
This bill proposes an amendment to the North Dakota Century Code by increasing the fee for recording and rerecording livestock brands from $25 to $50. This change primarily affects livestock owners and the state’s brand recording system by doubling the cost associated with brand registration.
As you can see, some bills that are being supported are of little consequence, but some have the ability to change how you do business on a daily basis. Keep checking back with us for the latest. We will keep watching and analyzing on your behalf.
Jan Wangler, Exec. Director 