Legislative Overview ~ February 21, 2025
Looks like the Senate took the lead today in wrapping up deliberations on the most bills! But don’t count out the House just yet—they’re gearing up to start their floor session at 10 am on Monday, February 24th. Here’s todays results:
15 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2228, SB2239, SB2243, SB2254, SB2265, SB2286, SB2299, SB2335, SB2342, SB2357, SB2362, SB2379, & SB2400. Those that failed include: SB2029, SB2208 & SB2272 No Bills Withdrawn.
13 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1064, HB1095, HB1161, HB1329, HB1408, HB1473, HB1533, HB1542, HB1556, HB1584, HB1591, HB1594, & HB1612. Those that failed include HB1569. No Bills Withdrawn.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2228: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1205-02000.pdf
This Bill could significantly impact rural grocery store owners by providing financial support to help sustain their businesses. This funding could allow them to address challenges such as rising operational costs, supply chain issues, and declining customer bases in rural areas. However, receiving grant funds may introduce new regulatory requirements and oversight that could add administrative burdens. The bill prioritizes existing stores, offering them a competitive edge over potential new market entrants, potentially limiting competition but ensuring stability for long-standing businesses.
SB2239: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0612-03000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of an apprenticeship grant program administered by the North Dakota labor commissioner. The program aims to provide financial assistance of up to $1,000 per year to eligible individuals enrolled in qualifying registered apprenticeship programs. The bill appropriates $1,100,000 for the program from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Business owners in industries relying on skilled labor could benefit from a more trained workforce, while apprenticeship program providers may experience increased enrollment and funding opportunities.
It’s important to note it does not provide funding specifically for businesses to implement new apprenticeship programs. The bill focuses on offering financial assistance to individuals who enroll in qualifying registered apprenticeship programs, rather than directly funding businesses to create or expand apprenticeship opportunities. Businesses may indirectly benefit from an increase in skilled workers entering the workforce through these programs.
SB2272: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1217-02000.pdf ~ FAILED
This Bill proposes the creation of the North Dakota Insurance Incentive Program, which aims to provide grants to insurers to improve property insurance availability and affordability in the state. The program, administered by the insurance commissioner, includes matching capital fund grants for eligible insurers who meet financial stability and experience requirements. Business owners in the insurance sector may benefit from increased financial support, while property owners could experience improved access to insurance coverage.
HB1329: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1112-02000.pdf
This Bill introduces a government spending database that will include detailed expenditure data from state, local, school districts, and higher education institutions. It requires the State Treasurer to maintain this database, which will be accessible online and updated monthly. The bill also mandates training for school officials on management practices. An appropriation of $350,000 is requested for this initiative. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
It does not directly address property taxes. However, by creating a government spending database, it could lead to more transparency in public spending. If local governments or school districts face increased scrutiny over financial practices, it might affect how funds are allocated, potentially influencing property tax rates in the future. The bill could encourage more efficient spending, but its exact impact on property taxes would depend on how funds are managed across different entities.
HB1473: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1047-01000.pdf
This Bill aims to regulate drug manufacturers by prohibiting actions that interfere with contract pharmacies’ ability to acquire and dispense discounted drugs under federal programs. It restricts manufacturers from denying access to drugs, imposing data submission requirements, or offering rebates not compliant with federal law. Violations would result in penalties. This bill could impact pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and healthcare providers participating in federal drug discount programs.
HB1584: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1281-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes new regulations for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in North Dakota. It includes amendments to licensing requirements, defines prohibited practices, and mandates transparency in pricing and reimbursement processes. The bill aims to enhance accountability and fairness in how PBMs interact with pharmacies and insurers. Affected stakeholders include pharmacies, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. The bill may increase regulatory oversight while potentially improving transparency in prescription drug pricing.
~ We truly appreciate hearing from you and value all forms of engagement. To continuously improve, we rely on submissions from our members regarding the improvements or changes they would like to see. As data-driven, factual, and non-partisan educators, our goal is to help you understand the decisions made by the legislators you elected. There are several websites that rate legislators based on their voting alignment with party platforms—the very reasons they were elected. However, we choose not to share these resources as we strive to maintain a non-partisan stance. If your are interested though, we encourage you to seek them out as it’s one more way to learn about the process.
This upcoming week will be particularly exciting as it marks “Government Week” for two of my home-schooled grandchildren. At just 7 and 10 years old, they are visiting me at the Capitol from another state and will learn about the legislative process firsthand by meeting legislators, attending committee meetings, floor sessions and understanding how bills become laws, from drafting of ideas to adoption. They’re eager to explore what I’ve been learning about and sharing daily. We hope that you’re also learning alongside us throughout this journey!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director. 