Legislative Overview – February 3, 2025
Summary of Sessions in the House & Senate today include:
12 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2005, SB2011, SB2017, SB2022, SB2031, SB2066, SB2149, SB2193, SB2229, SB2246, SB2251, SB2255, SB2261, SB2283, SB2287, SB2294. Those that failed include: SB2031, SB2066 & SB2283. No Bills Withdrawn.
14 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1027, HB1125, HB1179, HB1193, HB1246, HB1255, HB1263, HB1331, HB1334, HB1336, HB1351, HB1386, HB1387, HB1522. Those that failed include: HB1182 & HB1378. No Bills Withdrawn.
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Of Interest in the business world are:
SB: 2066: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8053-01000.pdf ~ FAILED
This Bill would broaden the sale of products made in prison industries. It would allow products to be purchased by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations (excluding trade associations and certain others), and sold through retail outlets with valid sales tax permits. Additionally, it allows products to be sold in interstate commerce and internationally. This bill provides more avenues for prison industries to sell their goods. If it passes, it would expand the scope for selling products made in prison industries, potentially affecting the retail sector by introducing new competition. Retailers may see more products from prison labor available for sale, especially if these items are sold in interstate or international markets. Retailers would also need to be aware of the conditions around selling these products through valid sales tax permits. This could lead to pricing pressures or changes in the types of products available on the market.
SB2193: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0247-01000.pdf
This Bill establishes new regulations for the certification and sale of assistance animals in North Dakota. It introduces documentation requirements for healthcare providers, specifying criteria for certifying an individual’s need for an assistance animal. The bill also mandates written disclosure requirements when selling or providing an assistance animal and imposes penalties for misrepresentation. It impacts healthcare providers, individuals with disabilities, and businesses involved in assistance animal sales.
SB2246: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0900-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes a $49,500 appropriation to the legislative council to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of establishing a regenerative grazing ranch in North Dakota. The study will assess the potential benefits of using rangeland ecosystems to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and promote sustainable ranching practices. Business owners in the ranching and agricultural sectors may see new opportunities if the study leads to future initiatives. The findings will be reported to the next legislative assembly.
SB2251: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0851-01000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to the auditing process conducted by the North Dakota State Auditor’s office. It revises audit charges, introduces new reporting requirements, and clarifies the use of subpoenas in audits. The bill may impact business owners, especially those interacting with state agencies, by potentially increasing transparency and accountability in financial oversight. It could impact business owners who interact with the state by potentially increasing their audit-related responsibilities and compliance requirements. The bill introduces changes to audit fees, reporting obligations, and the authority of the State Auditor to issue subpoenas. Businesses that contract with or receive funding from the state may face greater scrutiny and need to ensure thorough financial record-keeping to meet the revised audit standards. This could lead to additional administrative costs and adjustments in internal accounting practices. This bill would allow the Auditor’s office to issue subpoenas to businesses that will not cooperate in providing documentation to complete a requested audit. This bill was split on the issue of subpoena authority before ultimately passing, so could struggle in the House.
SB2255: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1125-01001m.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to the qualifications, term, and duties of the North Dakota state health officer. It revises the requirements for appointment, allowing for individuals with either public health education or administrative experience. The bill clarifies the officer’s duties, limits the scope of public health orders, and introduces legal oversight for business closures due to communicable diseases. Business owners may benefit from more defined regulatory processes and safeguards against broad health mandates.
SB2287: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1261-01000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to the regulation of video and internet livestock auction markets in North Dakota. It amends existing law to clarify that such markets cannot operate without a licensed representative and repeals sections related to licensing and fees for auction market representatives. This bill could impact business owners in the livestock auction industry by potentially reducing regulatory requirements and costs associated with licensing.
HB1125: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8068-01001m.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s real estate licensing laws. It revises definitions and licensing requirements for brokers, salespersons, and brokerage firms, clarifies agency relationships, and introduces new rules regarding dual agency and appointed agents. The bill affects real estate professionals and businesses by updating compliance standards and qualification criteria for industry participants.
~ We hope you had a chance to recharge over the weekend because this week’s legislative developments are moving fast! Keeping up with the pace will be no small feat, but we’re here to help. As always, we value your input on the updates we share—after all, this is your organization. Our goal is to provide you with the information that truly matters, empowering you to stay informed and keep things running smoothly in both your business and your life. Let us know what you need—we’re listening!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 