Legislative Overview – February 5, 2025
Today, a new rule was implemented allowing the use of a consent agenda on the House floor. Under this rule, bills with unanimous “Do Pass” recommendations from committee automatically receive a Yea vote, while those with unanimous “Do Not Pass” recommendations are rejected. Though it’s unclear if this is a formal new House rule, it was a first for this observer. Using this process, three bills were passed, and three were rejected in a single vote.
Summary of Sessions in the House & Senate today include:
6 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2010, SB2171,SB 2244, SB2285, SB2290, SB2324, & SB23667. Those that failed included: SB2206, SB2284, SB2366. No Bills Withdrawn.
14 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1118, HB1123, HB1219, HB1345, HB1368, HB1376, HB1397, HB1398, HB1432, HB1509, HB1520, HB1554, HB1558, & HB1599 Those that failed include: HB1376, HB1385, HB1434, HB1492, HB1521 & HB1523. Bills Withdrawn included: HB1402.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2206: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0285-03001m.pdf ~ FAILED ~ 2-5-25
This Bill introduces changes to North Dakota’s motor vehicle laws by establishing a two-year statute of limitations for injury claims against commercial motor carriers, capping noneconomic damages in such cases at $500,000, and requiring seat belt usage in certain vehicles. It allows evidence of seat belt non-use to be considered in civil cases to determine comparative negligence and mitigate damages. The bill impacts commercial motor carriers, drivers, and legal proceedings.
HB1345: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0866-02000.pdf
This bill proposes adjustments to North Dakota’s vehicle registration fees based on vehicle weight and age. It includes specific updates for passenger vehicles, house cars, and pickup trucks, focusing on gross weight calculations and registration card requirements for load capacity.
Impacts: Vehicle owners may see changes in registration costs. Pickup truck owners must ensure gross weight registration includes vehicle and load weight.
~ In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why we’re committed to delivering updates that matter most to you, without wasting your time on redundant information. We know your time is valuable, and our goal is to empower you with insights that drive smarter decisions for your business and your life. But we’re not stopping there. We aim to provide you with a level of business intelligence that sets you apart—a competitive edge your competitors may not even see coming. Whether it’s legislative updates, market information, or actionable strategies, we’re here to ensure you stay one step ahead in an ever-changing landscape. This is your organization, and your feedback shapes everything we do. Tell us what you need, and we’ll deliver it—concise, relevant, and impactful. Together, let’s turn information into innovation and keep your business thriving. Stay tuned for updates designed to keep you informed, empowered, and ahead of the competition!
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 