Legislative Overview ~ February 25, 2025
After a long and intense stretch, the first half of the 69th Legislative Session has officially wrapped up! Lawmakers put in some serious overtime, with the House adjourning at 10:28 PM after a MARATHON session that lasted late into the night. Over in the Senate, legislators also pushed through to meet their goals before heading into the Crossover Recess. Here’s todays results:
10 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2002, SB2003, SB2015, SB2018, SB2021, SB2128, SB2160, SB2395, SB2408, HB1068 & SCR4012. Those that failed include: SB2363, HB1244 + SCR4014 & SCR4016. No Bills Withdrawn.
34 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1006, HB1012, HB1013, HB1015, HB1018, HB1020, HB1024, HB1130, HB1168, HB1176, HB1213, HB1265, HB1266, HB1283, HB1322, HB1326, HB1332, HB1363, HB1369, HB1381, HB1417, HB1425, HB1448, HB1458, HB1468, HB1504, HB1540, HB1549, HB1567, HB1575, HB1581, HB1588, HB1601, HB1619 + HCR3029. Those that failed include: HB1129, HB1163, HB1296, HB1326, HB1350, HB1352, HB1365, HB1411, HB1424, HB1438, HB1446, HB1472, HB1494, HB1604, HB1609 + HCR3031. No Bills Withdrawn.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2128: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8109-03000.pdf
This Bill primarily focuses on criminal sentencing, work release eligibility, and penalties for offenses involving law enforcement officers. While it does not directly impose new requirements on employers, businesses that hire individuals with criminal records may experience indirect impacts if the bill affects work release program eligibility or conditions for hiring rehabilitated offenders. Employers participating in such programs may need to adjust policies based on the revised eligibility criteria.
SB2308: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0776-04000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s garnishment laws by increasing disclosure fees from $25 to $40 and modifying the minimum judgment threshold for garnishment proceedings. It also introduces the option for electronic service of garnishment notices, which could streamline processes for creditors and employers while potentially increasing administrative costs for businesses. Employers may need to update their payroll systems to comply with the revised regulations.
SB2363: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1333-05000.pdf ~ FAILED
This Bill proposes a property tax credit of $1,550 for individuals or entities that own and operate qualifying farmland or ranchland in North Dakota. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, an application process, and a reimbursement system where counties receive state funds to cover the credit. This could impact farmers, ranchers, county tax offices, and local governments by reducing property tax burdens for agricultural property owners while shifting some financial responsibility to the state.
HB1332: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0541-06000.pdf
This Bill creates a new incentive program to support large-scale value-added agriculture facilities. It offers grants for infrastructure and development costs for projects that invest at least $350 million and contribute at least $20 million in economic value. The bill also includes a $30 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to support this initiative. Aimed at boosting local economies, it impacts agricultural businesses and communities involved in food processing, commodity production, and agricultural manufacturing.
Non-agricultural taxpayers may be indirectly impacted from the $30 million transfer from the state’s Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. This fund comes from taxpayer dollars and will be used to support grants for large-scale agricultural projects. While non-agricultural businesses or individuals aren’t directly receiving the grants, they could benefit from the job creation and economic growth these projects aim to stimulate, particularly in rural areas where such developments may occur. By allocating public funds to support agricultural development, it may be seen as an expansion of government involvement in the economy. This could be viewed as limiting individual freedom by directing taxpayer money toward specific industries. However, supporters might argue that it fosters economic growth and job creation, which could enhance overall opportunities for citizens.
HB1350: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0939-01000.pdf ~ FAILED
This Bill proposes changes to the North Dakota Century Code’s definition of “dangerous weapon.” It revises the list of included items, clarifies exceptions (e.g., self-defense sprays, voltage devices without projectiles), and defines when voltage devices qualify as dangerous weapons, particularly for individuals prohibited from firearm possession.
Impacts: Law enforcement and legal systems may see changes in how weapons are classified. Individuals possessing or using certain items may experience new restrictions or clarifications. (overnight clerks, security personnel, etc.)
HB1352: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0506-03000.pdf ~ FAILED
This Bill looks at exempting public and private entities, including churches, from liability for injuries or damages caused by individuals carrying concealed weapons legally on their premises. Updating firearm possession laws, including provisions for churches to allow concealed weapons with approval from leadership.
Impacts: Churches and other entities may reduce legal risk for incidents involving concealed weapon holders. Concealed carry permit holders could face more opportunities to carry legally in churches or other specified places.
HB1448: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0883-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of an advanced technology grant program and review committee to support early-stage research, development, and innovation in North Dakota. The bill establishes eligibility criteria for startups and small businesses seeking funding for advanced technology projects, with priority given to areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The bill appropriates $5 million for the program and outlines requirements for monitoring and evaluating grant recipients’ progress.
~ To all of you who have been following along with live legislative sessions—hats off to you! Your dedication to staying informed and engaged is truly commendable. Now, take a well-earned break!
The North Dakota Legislature is officially on Crossover Recess until March 5, 2025, with floor sessions set to resume on Friday, March 7, 2025. While legislators take this time to regroup, we’ll be doing the same—reviewing the first half of the 69th Legislative Session and exploring ways to improve the educational services we provide.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any feedback on how we can better serve you, please share your thoughts. Your support and engagement make all the difference.
Enjoy the break, and we’ll see you back here in March!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 