Legislative Overview – January 20-24

Summary of Sessions in the House & Senate this week include:

20 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response:                                                                                                     SB2039, SB2044, SB2045, SB2046, SB2057, SB2059, SB2065, SB2077, SB2083, SB2090, SB2109, SB2110, SB2114, SB2116, SB2117, SB2130, SB2132, SB2134, SB2135, SB2141, SB2154, SB2157, SB2158, SB2159, SB2163, SB2165, SB2172, SB2173, SB2195, SB 2196, SB2201, SB2207, SB2219, SB2318, as well as HCR3004 & SCR4001. Those that failed include: SB2026, SB2099, SB2102, sb2118, SB2178, SB2189 & SCR4004. Bills Withdrawn include:SB2268, SB2311 & SB2318.

32 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response:                                                                                                   HB1032, HB1033, HB1034, HB1049, HB1061, HB1117, HB1120, HB1122, HB1131, HB1132, HB1133, HB1142, HB1153, HB1156, HB1170, HB1173, HB1174, HB1177, HB1178, HB1192, HB1200, HB1212, HB1215, HB1238, HB1250, HB1253, HB1261, HB1298, HB1311, HB1314, HB1318, HB1354, HB1377, HB1400, HB1410, HB1412, HB1420 as well as SCR4005.  Those that failed include: HB1159, HB1202, HB1243, HB1251, HB1262, HB1320, HB1324, && HB1413.  Bills Withdrawn include: HB1196, HB1208, HB1461, HB1617.

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Of Interest in the business world are:

SB2045: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8010-02000.pdf

This bill proposes changes to bidding requirements for public improvement projects in North Dakota. It provides exemptions from certain contractor licensing requirements for projects using municipal, rural, and industrial water supply funds, as well as federal aid highway funds. The bill also updates the content requirements for bid advertisements, including details on licensing, bid security, and the awarding process. These changes could impact contractors and project managers involved in public infrastructure projects.

SB2083:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8111-02000.pdf

This bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s public records laws by introducing the classification of “sensitive images” as exempt records. Sensitive images include those depicting exposed intimate parts, gruesome injuries, deceased individuals, or minors. The bill provides discretion to public entities in handling such records, ensuring privacy while maintaining transparency standards. This could impact law enforcement agencies, media organizations, and public records requestors by limiting access to certain types of visual records.

SB2109:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8012-02000.pdf

This bill proposes updates to North Dakota’s workforce safety and insurance laws. It revises definitions related to disability and electronic communication, modifies administrative procedures for issuing decisions, and increases maximum death benefits. The bill also adjusts regulations for scholarship fund eligibility and appeals processes. These changes could impact employers, employees, and insurers by altering claims handling and benefits distribution.

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

This bill proposes new procedures for the North Dakota Adjutant General’s office to prequalify and contract consultants for services such as architecture, engineering, construction management, and land surveying. It establishes criteria for selecting prequalified firms, sets contract term limits, and outlines procurement processes based on project costs. The bill could impact consulting firms and contractors by streamlining the selection process and creating new opportunities for engagement with state projects.

SB2154:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0561-01000.pdf

This bill proposes expanding the definition of a “primary sector business” in North Dakota to include tourism operations that generate new wealth by attracting out-of-state visitors. The bill clarifies eligibility criteria for businesses seeking economic development incentives and makes adjustments to related sections of state law. This change could impact tourism-related businesses by providing them with greater access to state support and incentives.

SB2163:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0634-01000.pdf

This bill proposes increasing the reporting threshold for contractor projects in North Dakota from $25,000 to $50,000. Contractors must report completed projects exceeding this amount when renewing their licenses. The bill also reinforces requirements for liability insurance and payroll tax compliance at the time of renewal. This change could reduce administrative burdens for smaller contractors while ensuring regulatory oversight for larger projects

HB1131:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0227-01000.pdf

This bill allows farms in North Dakota to sell raw milk and raw milk products directly to consumers for personal use but prohibits sales to wholesalers, retail stores, or across state lines. The bill also states that raw milk cannot be donated. Farms selling under this law are exempt from other state dairy regulations. This bill could impact small dairy farms by opening direct-to-consumer sales opportunities while maintaining restrictions on larger-scale distribution.

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

This bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s accounting firm ownership laws, allowing qualified retirement plans, such as employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), to hold full ownership of accounting firms. It specifies that a majority of beneficial ownership and board members must be certified public accountants (CPAs) licensed in North Dakota or other jurisdictions. This bill could impact accounting firms by providing new ownership structures and investment opportunities while maintaining professional oversight.

HB1314:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0412-02000.pdf

This bill introduces regulations for mobile barbershops in North Dakota. It defines mobile barbershops as barbering services provided in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile structure and establishes licensing requirements, inspection processes, and operational guidelines. The bill sets fees for initial registration and renewals and outlines penalties for non-compliance. This could impact barbers looking to expand their businesses through mobile services and regulatory agencies overseeing compliance.

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Hey there, Business Intelligence Seekers!🗽Wow, what a rollercoaster these past couple of weeks have been at the Capitol! We’ve seen committee testimonies that ran the gamut from nail-biting to head-scratching. 🎢Picture this: You’re sitting there, watching the proceedings, and suddenly – plot twist! – the committee members vote in a way that seems to fly in the face of all the testimony we just heard. 🤔 It’s enough to make you wonder if you’ve stepped into an alternate universe, right?  But here’s the kicker (and the reason for hope): Maybe, just maybe, those surprising votes are happening because YOU, yes YOU, dear reader, have been making your voice heard, your butt was in a seat staring back at them, you sent an email or perhaps someone else has been championing your cause. Remember, WE THE PEOPLE are the last line of defense between tyranny and liberty. We’re not just spectators; we’re the main characters in this political drama! 💪Let’s break it down:

• Those folks at the Capitol? They’re deciding how to spend YOUR hard-earned dollars.
• They’re choosing WHERE those dollars go and for WHAT.
• And they’re doing it all on YOUR behalf.

So, the million-dollar question is: Are they hearing from you? 📣Your voice matters. Your opinions count. Your future is at stake. So don’t be shy – reach out to your representatives. Let them know what you think. After all, in this grand experiment we call democracy, you’re not just along for the ride – you’re in the driver’s seat!  Stay engaged, stay informed, and keep making those waves, freedom lovers! Together, we can steer this ship towards a brighter tomorrow. 🌟What are your thoughts on the recent committee & Floor votes? Drop us a comment at [email protected] and let’s keep this conversation going!

Jan Wangler, Executive Director