Legislative Overview ~ March 11, 2025

Today’s sessions moved quickly as legislators were enthusiastic about getting back to their Committee Meetings to keep things moving and to stay on schedule.  Here’s a summary of what took place during today’s floor sessions:

27 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                    HB1061, HB1071, HB1103, HB1112, HB1117, HB1122, HB1132, HB1134, HB1154, HB1156, HB1164, HB1175, HB1177, HB1198, HB1235, HB1238, HB1246, HB1267, HB1327, HB1340, HB1412, HB1420, HB1432, HB1526, HB1539, HB1554, & HB1598 + HCR3005 & HCR3007.   Those that failed include: HB1379 & HB1474.

14 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                     SB2038, SB2071, SB2072, SB2073, SB2075, SB2114, SB2119, SB2121, SB2130, SB2144, SB2150, SB2152, SB2161, SB2211, SB2227, SB2324, & SB2386.  There were no defeated bills.

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2075:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8076-02000.pdf

This Bill seeks to amend section 39-32-02 of the North Dakota Century Code regarding exemptions for intrastate drivers from the requirement to maintain a record of duty status. The amendment allows for an exemption if certain conditions are met, such as the driver operating within a 150-mile radius, having at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and maintaining accurate time records for at least six months.  This bill is an emergency measure and would impact motor carriers and drivers in terms of record-keeping requirements.

SB2130:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8101-02000.pdf

This Bill establishes procedures for the prequalification, selection, and contracting of consultants in architecture, engineering, construction management, and land surveying services for the North Dakota National Guard. It allows the adjutant general to contract consultants for multiple projects, sets contract term limits, and specifies procurement thresholds for different project costs. The bill primarily affects consultants, contractors, and state agencies involved in infrastructure projects.

SB2144:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0648-02000.pdf

This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota law regarding professional employer services licensure, confidential records, notary public notifications and fees, trade name registration, and secretary of state fees. It modifies application requirements, increases fees for certain services, and repeals sections related to exempt records. The bill affects professional employer organizations, notaries, businesses registering trade names, and state administrative offices. It enlarges government oversight but does not impose new restrictions on individuals.

SB2150:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0606-01002m.pdf

This Bill amends North Dakota laws governing corporate and limited liability company farming and ranching. It updates definitions for farming or ranching activities, modifies shareholder and member requirements for authorized livestock farm corporations and LLCs, and clarifies reporting obligations, including voting and ownership structures. The bill impacts agricultural corporations, LLCs, and their stakeholders by refining eligibility and reporting rules. It enlarges government oversight but does not withdraw rights or impose significant new restrictions.

HB1156:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0074-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota law regarding the ownership structure of accounting firms. It allows minority ownership of firms by qualified plans such as employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), provided that a majority of ownership and firm leadership remain in the hands of licensed public accountants. This bill could impact accounting firms, employee benefit plans, and business investors by expanding ownership opportunities while maintaining professional oversight requirements.

HB1474:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1184-02000.pdf   ~  FAILED

This Bill proposes a new tax structure for residential properties in North Dakota, introducing a square footage tax. The bill includes provisions for tax credits related to solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems, and incentives for new residential properties. It also revises rules on tax levies and valuation methods, impacting homeowners, property developers, and local tax authorities. The bill may simplify tax calculations but could shift the financial burden across property types.  This bill could impact businesses located in residential/transitional zoning.

HB1526:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1238-01000.pdf

This Bill proposes changes to pet food registration in North Dakota. It amends the definition of “labeling” to include promotional materials and online marketing. The bill increases registration fees for pet food manufactured outside the state and introduces an exemption for small-scale, in-state producers selling at community events or farmers’ markets. Affected stakeholders include pet food manufacturers, retailers, and local producers. The bill may impact compliance costs and regulatory obligations.

 

~  Now that the second half of the session is in full swing and things are happening quickly, here’s a reminder of how you could impact what’s happening at the Capitol.

How to Take Action

1.) If a bill hearing has been scheduled, but not yet held, the table shows the date, time, and location of the hearing. If you want to testify, you need to write your comments about the bill into a PDF or txt file. This can be a paragraph or longer, but keep to the point. Once that is written, you can go to this page (www.nd.legis.gov), type the bill number into the upper right box (just need the number, not the HB or SB), and click the search button. Once you are on the bill’s page, click on the tab entitled “Hearings”, identify the hearing, and click the link on the right where it says, “Submit Testimony”. Just follow the instructions after that. Note that there will be a deadline to submit testimony for bills, often early in the morning on the hearing day (this will show once you click on the “Submit Testimony” link). If you have questions about any of this, prepare your testimony document and then call us at 701-581-6630 and we can walk you through it.

2.) If the bill hearing is over, but it still needs to be voted on in a chamber, you can contact your appropriate legislator(s) and give them feedback. If you do not know who your legislators are or how to contact them, reach out and we’ll give you a hand.

3.) If the bill has passed both chambers and has been sent to Gov. Armstrong, you can contact the Governor via this link and provide input on the bill. https://www.governor.nd.gov/contact

Please remember to be respectful in all communications to our legislators and the Governor, and feel free to contact us with any legislative questions.

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director