Legislative Overview – February 3, 2025

Today’s legislative activity demonstrated a mix of restraint and productivity. Legislators appeared less inclined to add new items to the register, resulting in a notable number of bills failing to advance. However, they still managed to process a significant amount of legislation, reflecting a focused effort to address  priorities within the limited time available before upcoming deadlines.

Summary of Sessions in the House & Senate today include:

9Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response:                                                                                                     SB2048, SB2082, SB2098, SB2225, SB222, SB2232, SB2249, SB2259, & SB2397. Those that failed include: SB2182, SB2182, SB2235, SB2236, SB2237, SB2312, & SB2388 . No Bills Withdrawn.

14 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response:                                                                                                   HB1126, HB1198, HB1203, HB1204, HB1233, HB1247, HB1254, HB1280, HB1308, HB1340, HB1340, HB1394, HB1539, HB1563, HB1568.  Those that failed include: HB1396, HB1405 & HB1557.  No Bills Withdrawn.

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

SB2259:   https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1201-01000.pdf

This Bill proposes the repeal of Section 44-04-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the provision of blanks and records. If passed, the bill could impact businesses that rely on these records for administrative or compliance purposes by eliminating certain state-provided forms and documentation requirements. This could lead to changes in how businesses manage their record-keeping and interactions with government agencies.

HB1568: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0954-02000.pdf

Proposes updates to North Dakota’s agricultural and environmental policies, focusing on improving soil health programs and supporting sustainable farming practices. The bill outlines funding allocations for soil conservation districts and encourages partnerships between farmers and state agencies to promote best practices. It may impact agricultural businesses, conservation organizations, and local communities by providing financial and technical assistance for soil health initiatives.

~  While nearly as many bills failed as those that passed today, this is the legislative process we elected our representatives to follow, and they’re working diligently. The day’s committee testimonies were heavily focused on health and social issues, much more so than in previous weeks. If you’re tracking legislation in these areas, now is the time to stay engaged—there’s plenty more coming in the days ahead.  As always, we remain focused on business-related issues on your behalf. Be sure to check in with us daily for concise updates and links to dive deeper into the details if needed. We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you. Talk to you tomorrow!

Jan Wangler, Executive Director