Legislative Overview – February 6, 2025
Seems the procedural change yesterday is really going to abbreviate the floor sessions for the legislators so they can get back to their committee work to keep bills moving along! The short and sweet of it is as follows:
Summary of Sessions in the House & Senate today include:
1 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2282 Those that failed included: SB2295, SB2316, & SB2320. No Bills Withdrawn.
10 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1007, HB1011, HB1279, HB1357, HB1379, HB1466, HB1471, HB1482, HB1498, & SB2028 Those that failed include: HB1273, HB1502, HB1546, HB1548, & HB1608. Bills Withdrawn included: HB1270.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
HB1270: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0958-01000.pdf ~ FAILED
Establishes new oversight measures for North Dakota’s occupational and professional licensing boards. It requires boards to submit annual reports to the governor detailing licensing statistics and board activities. The bill also mandates that boards provide clear instructions on how individuals can file complaints about licensing decisions. Additionally, the governor’s office must develop a procedure for investigating such complaints. This bill could impact licensed professionals and regulatory bodies by increasing transparency and accountability.
HB1279: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0895-01000.pdf
Proposes extending the existing coal conversion facilities privilege tax, initially enacted in 2021. If passed, the bill is expected to reduce state general fund revenues by an estimated $21.35 million for the 2025-2027 biennium and $42.7 million for 2027-2029. The fiscal impact depends on production levels remaining stable. This bill could affect coal industry stakeholders, state revenue allocations, and energy sector regulations.
HB1466: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0453-02001m.pdf
Seeks to amend North Dakota’s alcohol laws by redefining terms related to distilleries, including “domestic distillery” and “manufacturing distillery,” and introducing provisions for satellite locations. The bill allows manufacturing distilleries to sell spirits at off-site retail locations and hold events at these sites. It impacts businesses in the alcohol production and retail sectors by expanding opportunities for direct sales and promotional events.
HB1471: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1227-01001m.pdf
Seeks to regulate payment methods used by dental benefit plans in North Dakota. The bill prohibits these plans from requiring dentists to accept only credit card payments and mandates transparency regarding fees associated with electronic payments. It requires clear notification of alternative fee-free payment methods and disclosure if the plan profits from transaction fees. This bill impacts dental clinics and insurance providers by offering greater flexibility and transparency in payment processes.
HB1546: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1272-01000.pdf
Proposes a sales and use tax exemption for contractors, subcontractors, or builders purchasing materials on behalf of the state of North Dakota. The bill outlines eligibility requirements, including obtaining authorization letters and exemption certificates. It could benefit construction businesses working on public projects by reducing tax burdens but excludes local city or county taxes. The bill may decrease government costs on infrastructure projects but might also reduce tax revenue.
HB1608: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1319-01000.pdf
Proposes a law in North Dakota that would require employers to grant employees leave for religious rest or worship on Sundays or other religious holidays. The leave must be for a continuous 24-hour period, and employers who violate this rule may face a $500 fine. Exceptions are allowed in cases of unavoidable emergencies. The bill could impact businesses by introducing new scheduling requirements and potential penalties.
~ And there you have it. Short and Sweet wins the day. But did the day go as you had hoped? What differences, if any would you have wanted? Keep the conversation going by sharing your thoughts with us! We will continue to bring you un-biased, fact-based information that could affect you and those you love.
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 