Legislative Overview – February 18, 2025
Today, newly-elected Congresswoman Fedorchak visited the chambers and addressed legislators, sharing her experiences from Washington D.C. to date. Afterward, the legislators quickly turned their attention to the pending bills. Did you know, in North Dakota, every drafted bill is reviewed by a committee, ensuring thorough consideration? That’s a practice not universally followed in other states. If you’re interested in proposing new legislation or modifying existing laws, reach out to your representatives and set that process in motion! There are many citizen-initiated bills this session.
7 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response & 1 House Bill Passed: SB2025, SB2096, SB2156, SB2216, SB2296, SB2323, & SB2382. Those that failed included: SB2328. No Bills Withdrawn.
25 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1003, HB1016, HB1029, HB1067, HB1151, HB1218, HB1294, HB1297, HB1316, HB1346, HB1371, HB1422, HB1437, HB1444, HB1455, HB1469, HB1470, HB1480, HB1485, HB1500, HB1515, HB1547, HB1555, HB1582, HB1583 + HCR3017. Those that failed include: HB1399, HB1486, HB1493, HB1616 & HCR3020. No Bills Withdrawn.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2174: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0603-03000.pdf
This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s regulations on animal feeding operations. It updates zoning authority for counties and townships, clarifies setback distances, and introduces criteria for odor control using an odor footprint tool. The bill seeks to balance agricultural expansion with environmental concerns and community interests. Affected stakeholders include farmers, local governments, and environmental regulators. It could impact surrounding businesses by changing zoning and setback requirements for animal feeding operations, potentially influencing property values, air quality, and business operations nearby. Businesses reliant on tourism, residential developments, or retail may face challenges related to odor control and environmental compliance. Conversely, agricultural supply and service businesses could benefit from expanded operations. The bill introduces measures to mitigate potential conflicts using an odor footprint tool.
HB1346: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0920-02000.pdf
This Bill modifies regulations for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in North Dakota. Key changes include updated definitions for vehicle classes, clarified rules for operation by individuals under 16, and expanded authority for local governments to regulate OHV use. It also revises penalties for violations and safety training requirements. OHV owners and operators may face new rules regarding usage and safety training. Local governments can enact specific OHV regulations.
HB1480: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0839-02000.pdf
This Bill allows individuals who are not the legal owners of a motor vehicle to request a certificate of title if the vehicle has not been registered for more than ten years. The bill outlines the process for notifying the last-known owner and publicizing the request. If no response is received within 14 days, the requester may obtain the title. This could impact auto salvage businesses, collectors, and title service companies by simplifying ownership claims for abandoned vehicles.
HB1493: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1012-01000.pdf ~ FAILED
This bill proposes repealing Section 54-60-31 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the Office of Legal Immigration. The repeal would eliminate this office, which was established to support and manage legal immigration efforts in the state. This change could impact businesses relying on immigrant labor, state agencies involved in workforce development, and immigrant communities seeking assistance with legal processes.
HB1515: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0936-03000.pdf
This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s motor vehicle warranty work compensation law. The bill mandates fair compensation for dealers performing warranty-related services, ensuring they receive payment comparable to non-warranty work. It establishes guidelines for labor and parts reimbursement and outlines procedures for submitting and resolving claims. This bill affects automobile dealerships and manufacturers by regulating warranty-related financial transactions and ensuring compliance with fair market compensation standards.
~ Wow, today’s legislative session tackled an incredibly diverse array of bills, reflecting the complexity and breadth of issues impacting our state. From the regulation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to a significant hike in hunting license fees, the topics debated and voted upon were far-reaching.
Notably, lawmakers also discussed whether property owners should have the right to opt out of smart meter installations for medical safety or other reasons and whether foreign ownership of businesses should be disclosed to enhance transparency.
The sheer volume of bills this session compared to last has everyone working extended hours to meet the looming crossover deadline at the end of this month. This intense pace underscores the importance of staying informed about how these decisions could shape businesses and communities across the state.
What are your thoughts on the legislative actions so far and do they align with campaign promises made by legislators in your district? We’re here to track it all for you—breaking down the implications of how each bill affects the business climate. But we want to hear from you: Do you feel your elected officials are voting in line with their commitments? Share your insights below—this is shaping up to be an engaging and critical discussion for all stakeholders. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor these developments closely!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 