Legislative Overview ~ April 1, 2025

 

On Day 52 of the North Dakota legislative session, several bills and resolutions were actively discussed and advanced. No major breakthroughs on final votes were reported today. It was reported that going forward, all amended bills on the 6th Order of Business will now automatically advance to the 14th Order for final passage, so the pace of legislation will now quicken.

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

 

18 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                    HB1004, HB1025, HB1073, HB1095, HB1106, HB1166, HB1197, HB1233, HB1260, HB1354, HB1361, HB1386, HB1454, HB1511, HB1549, HB1561, HB1562, & HB1592.  Those which were failed include: HB1558.

11 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                       SB2017, SB2113, SB2117, SB2120, SB2147, SB2155, SB2180, SB2214, SB2269, SB2273, & SB2334  Those which were failed include: SCR4008

 

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2273:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1302-02000.pdf

This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota law to allow physical therapists to order musculoskeletal diagnostic imaging, specifically plain film radiographs, under certain qualifications. Physical therapists with a clinical doctorate or approved imaging training would be authorized to request imaging and must report results to the patient’s primary care provider within seven days. This bill could impact healthcare businesses by expanding the scope of physical therapy services, potentially improving patient care coordination and reducing referrals to other providers.

SB2334:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1274-03000.pdf 

This Bill amends the definition of “alcoholic beverage establishment” within North Dakota’s charitable gaming laws. The revised definition specifies that such establishments must be licensed under section 5-01-21 or chapter 5-02 of the North Dakota Century Code and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. It explicitly excludes liquor stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores from this category.​

Additionally, the bill mandates a legislative study during the 2025-26 interim to examine the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations. The study will assess the prevalence, acquisition processes, benefits, and challenges of such ownership, as well as interactions between gaming manufacturers, distributors, and charitable organizations. Findings and recommendations will be presented to the 70th Legislative Assembly.  Overall, the bill seeks to refine the regulatory landscape for charitable gaming in North Dakota, with implications for various entities involved in gaming and alcohol service.

HB1592:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1292-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s lignite research and development policies. It revises the composition and responsibilities of the lignite research council, enhances collaboration with the industrial commission, and updates public record exemptions. The bill aims to promote lignite industry growth by supporting research, marketing, and job creation while ensuring environmental compliance. Affected stakeholders include coal mining companies, energy producers, and state agencies involved in lignite development.

 

  ~  The most contentious issue in today’s legislative sessions was not a bill but Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, heard in the House, which sought to amend the term limits established by voters in 2022. The resolution proposed changes that would allow lawmakers to serve longer terms—up to three full four-year terms in each chamber—and repeal the constitutional provision prohibiting legislative amendments to the voter-initiated measure. This sparked intense debate, as the original measure explicitly forbids legislators from making such amendments, with proponents of the resolution arguing that this restriction is unconstitutional.

Ultimately, the resolution failed to pass, with legislators voting to defeat it 46-43-5. This decision underscores the ongoing tension between respecting voter-approved measures and addressing perceived structural issues in governance. The outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of citizen engagement in shaping legislative priorities and holding elected officials accountable for decisions that impact the state’s constitutional framework.

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director