Legislative Overview ~ February 20, 2025
As crossover approaches, both chambers have adjusted their schedules, starting floor sessions at 12:30 PM to maximize productivity. The Senate demonstrated impressive unity, successfully passing all 17 bills on their agenda. Meanwhile, the House saw a robust performance as well, with only 4 out of 22 bills failing to pass. This increased momentum highlights the urgency and determination of lawmakers as they work through the legislative process. Here’s the results:
17 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2001, SB2019, SB2104, SB2105, SB2129, SB2180, SB2241, SB2247, SB2269, 2307, SB2317, SB2330, SB2332, SB2351, SB2352,SB 2384, & SB2399. None were failed. No Bills Withdrawn.
18 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1001, HB1005, HB1038, HB1114, HB1143, HB1181, HB1199, HB1222, HB1395, HB1450, HB1460, HB1481, HB1487, HB1497, HB1524, HB1572, HB1602 & HCR3015. Those that failed include HB1339, HB1457, HB1611 & HCR3023. No Bills Withdrawn.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2129: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8033-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes revisions to North Dakota’s veterinary medicine regulations. It introduces new definitions, updates licensing requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and clarifies the scope of practice, including complementary and alternative therapies. The bill also establishes penalties for noncompliance and provides updated guidelines for veterinary education and professional conduct. Affected stakeholders include veterinary professionals, animal owners, and regulatory bodies. It updates licensing requirements by introducing clearer criteria for obtaining and maintaining veterinary licenses, including continuing education and professional conduct standards. It also expands the scope of practice to include complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, provided they meet regulatory guidelines. The bill aims to modernize veterinary services and ensure compliance with updated professional standards.
SB2247: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0604-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s vehicle titling and registration processes. It requires vehicle sellers to remove license plates upon transfer of ownership unless the plates have been expired for ten years or more. The bill also outlines procedures for obtaining a new title when the original is unavailable, with specific provisions for insurers, tax-exempt organizations, and individuals. Business owners in auto sales and insurance may need to adjust their procedures for title transfers and ownership verification. It could impact business owners with fleet vehicles by requiring them to remove license plates upon the sale or transfer of each vehicle, unless the plates have been expired for ten years or more. This may lead to additional administrative tasks related to plate management and transfers, potentially increasing operational costs and procedural complexity. Fleet operators may need to update internal policies to ensure compliance with the new titling and registration requirements.
SB2269: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1278-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s recall election procedures for city governing body members. It outlines petition requirements, signature verification processes, and timelines for conducting recall elections. The bill may impact business owners who engage with local governments by potentially altering leadership dynamics and policy decisions that affect business regulations and operations. The proposed changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for initiating and managing recall efforts within municipalities. The amendments in Senate Bill No. 2269 would impose additional requirements or procedural complexities that make it more difficult for citizens to petition for a recall election, It could be seen as a restriction on Constitutional Liberty, as the ability to recall elected officials is a form of redress and participatory governance, and any measures that add barriers could limit public engagement and government accountability. Conversely, if the amendments clarify and streamline the process, they might enhance accessibility and ensure fairness.
SB2317: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1086-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s township zoning authority regulations. It provides a process for townships that previously transferred zoning authority to the county to reacquire it. The bill outlines specific steps, including passing a resolution, holding an election, adopting zoning ordinances, and appointing a zoning administrator. If these conditions are met, counties must accept the township’s zoning authority. This bill could impact property developers and local businesses by altering zoning oversight and regulatory processes.
SB2384: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1323-03000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s gaming and horse racing laws by updating licensing fees, restricting the sale of electronic gaming devices, and refining regulations for live and simulcast horse racing. The bill requires manufacturers and distributors of gaming equipment, such as pull tabs and electronic bingo systems, to obtain proper licensing and limits sales to authorized entities. It also clarifies the licensing process for horse racing operations while maintaining restrictions on dog race betting. These changes could impact gaming manufacturers and horse racing operators by increasing regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance with state laws. Local governments would gain more authority in reviewing race applications before licenses are issued. The bill may enhance the integrity of North Dakota’s gaming and racing industries while ensuring state and local entities have greater control over licensing and operations.
HB1457: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0976-01000.pdf ~ FAILED
This Bill proposes vaccine exemptions in North Dakota if specific conditions are unmet. It requires vaccines to meet FDA approval based on a one-year safety trial, full disclosure of potential risks, evidence showing the vaccine is safer than the disease, and manufacturer accountability for harm. The bill could impact businesses, schools, and healthcare providers by modifying vaccine mandate policies. It may increase individual choice but could reduce regulatory oversight. [I’m told this one may come back]
HB1460: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0620-03000.pdf
This Bill proposes vaccine exemptions in North Dakota if specific conditions are unmet. It requires vaccines to meet FDA approval based on a one-year safety trial, full disclosure of potential risks, evidence showing the vaccine is safer than the disease, and manufacturer accountability for harm. The bill could impact businesses, schools, and healthcare providers by modifying vaccine mandate policies. It may increase individual choice but could reduce regulatory oversight.
HB1481: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1250-03000.pdf
This Bill requires dental insurers in North Dakota to file their proposed plan rates and group rating factors annually with the insurance commissioner. It allows the commissioner to disapprove rates deemed excessive, inadequate, or discriminatory. The bill sets an 83% dental loss ratio threshold, requiring refunds to policyholders if the insurer’s premiums exceed allowable limits. Businesses affected include dental insurers and employers offering dental benefits, with potential financial impacts on premium costs and compliance requirements.
~ As we approach the end of the week, the activity at the Capitol remains intense, with lawmakers diligently working to process bills before the upcoming deadlines.
The legislative session has now been in progress for 31 days, the pace shows no signs of slowing & both chambers are likely to maintain their accelerated schedules to maximize productivity.
Regarding the editorial comments in today’s recap, they provide additional context that may be valuable to readers. However, if you prefer to maintain a strictly factual approach without any commentary, please let me know, and I can adjust the format accordingly in future updates.
The urgency of the current legislative work underscores the importance of staying informed about the bills being considered and their potential impacts on various stakeholders. As we continue through this session, we can expect increased activity and potentially longer sessions as lawmakers strive to complete their work within the given timeframe. Let us know if you feel any critical information is missing that might help you speak as an informed citizen. We are here to empower YOU!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 