Legislative Overview ~ March 17, 2025

 

It was surely a “Monday” as floor sessions in the North Dakota House and Senate covered a diverse range of topics, with several contentious issues sparking extended debates.  Two Senate Concurrent Resolutions proposing amendments to the voter-initiated term limits measure passed in 2022 generated significant discussion. These resolutions aim to alter the term limits despite the measure explicitly prohibiting such legislative action. Senate Concurrent Resolution 4028 seeks to extend term limits to three terms (12 years) in either chamber, potentially allowing up to 24 years of total service.  They also voted to continue funding for public broadcasting, rejecting House Bill 1255 which would have eliminated state funding for Prairie Public. This decision comes after the bill initially passed the House with a 61-32 vote, despite a committee recommendation against it.  Lawmakers also considered House Bill 1183, which proposes investing 1% of the state’s treasury in gold and silver. The bill aims to diversify state investments as a hedge against inflation and economic instability. If it had passed, this would’ve amounted to approximately $40 million for the 2027-29 period, but this bill failed.  These debates highlight the complex issues facing North Dakota legislators as they navigate voter mandates, public funding decisions, and state investment strategies.

Here’s a summary of what took place during today’s floor sessions:

2 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                    HB1294 & HB1564 + SCR1008 & HCR4027.  Those that failed include: HB1183 & HB1255 + SCR4028.

13 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                     SB2048, SB2058, SB2124, SB2127, SB2136, SB2177, SB2205, SB2250, SB2258, SB2260, SB2288, SB2368, & SB2377 + SCR4024.  Those that failed include:  SB2381 + HCR3034 & HCR3036.

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2124:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8129-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s insurance regulations by creating new sections related to insurance company inquiries and statements. It establishes procedures for handling data requests, confidentiality requirements, and filing of market conduct annual statements. The bill affects insurance companies, regulators, and policyholders by enhancing oversight and transparency in industry practices. It includes provisions for data confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

SB2136:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0781-02000.pdf

This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s laws governing the relationship between brewers and beer wholesalers. It clarifies restrictions on brewers’ influence over wholesalers, including prohibitions on coercion, contract stipulations, and the sharing of competitive financial information. The bill also mandates written contracts that comply with state laws and prevents brewers from requiring or prohibiting the use of business-to-business e-commerce platforms. Affected stakeholders include brewers, wholesalers, and retailers.

SB2177:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0947-04000.pdf

This Bill proposes the creation of the Animal Agriculture Facility Infrastructure Fund in North Dakota. The fund will allocate a portion of sales, gross receipts, and use tax revenue to counties for infrastructure projects related to animal agriculture facilities. The tax commissioner will certify eligible expenses, and counties can use the funds for facility-related infrastructure or other expenses. This bill enlarges government involvement by establishing a new funding mechanism.  The major benefactors of this Bill would be Counties with significant animal agriculture operations, as they would receive funding to support infrastructure improvements related to these facilities. Animal agriculture businesses, such as livestock farms and processing plants, would benefit from enhanced infrastructure, potentially improving operational efficiency and expansion opportunities. Additionally, local economies could experience positive impacts through job creation and increased demand for services.

Businesses and residents most negatively impacted by this bill could include those located near expanding animal agriculture facilities, such as residential communities and tourism-related businesses. Potential concerns may involve increased traffic, odor, noise, and environmental effects, which could lower property values and affect quality of life. Small businesses not directly tied to agriculture might face challenges if infrastructure priorities shift to support large-scale animal operations over other community needs

SB2205:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0784-02000.pdf

This Bill amends North Dakota’s charitable gaming laws by increasing the allocation to the gambling disorder prevention and treatment fund from $10,000 to $75,000. It also revises the distribution of gaming tax revenues to cities and counties based on local gaming activity. Additionally, the bill mandates that surplus funds exceeding administrative costs be transferred to the state’s general fund. The changes impact charitable gaming organizations, local governments, and public health initiatives.

SB2288:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1291-01000.pdf

This Bill allows veterans organizations in North Dakota to use up to 20% of net proceeds from charitable gaming per quarter for food and beverage expenses, including alcohol, incurred in operating their club. Each organization is limited to operating one club at a single location. This bill may provide financial relief to veterans organizations by expanding the allowable uses of gaming proceeds for operational costs.

 

~  Some days it’s difficult to appear non-partisan when the facts seem to lean one direction or another, but please don’t kill the messenger, as we are sharing the facts only and saving any commentary for other venues. Sometimes we report hard truths. I say hard because sometimes they are difficult for this servant to hear, but I share them anyways to make sure you are informed. Which bills are you most curious to hear debate on? Share with us below and let’s keep the conversation going!

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director