Legislative Overview ~ February 24, 2025
Multiple sessions were held in both chambers today, as lawmakers are facing a busy agenda in the coming days. The House actually conducted three sessions, with legislators working diligently to complete their tasks before the crossover deadline. The House passed 40 bills & resolutions while the Senate squeaked by with 12. One key focus is to ensure that time is set aside for Representative Josh Christy’s memorial service later this week.
Many bills that have not yet progressed through the floor sessions are currently in committees for amendments before returning to the floor for a vote. This flurry of activity underscores the urgency as lawmakers aim to finalize their legislative work while also honoring their colleague’s memory.
Funeral services for Representative Christy are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Fargo, following a visitation on Thursday evening. Flags will be flown at half-staff on Friday in his honor Here’s todays results:
12 Senate Bills Passed and awaiting House Response: SB2012, SB2014, SB2214, SB2217, SB2230, SB2267, SB2281, SB2321, SB2326, SB2341, SB2370, SB2390, SCR4007, SCR4017, & SCR4020. Those that failed include: SB2006, SB2030, SB2034, SB2142, SB2151, SB2215, SB2240, SB2252, SB2263, SB2270, SB2315, SB2349, SB2350, SB2355, SB2364, SB2372, SB2378, SB2392, SB2393, SB2394, SCR4009, SCR4011, SCR4015, SCR4022, & SCR4023. No Bills Withdrawn.
40 House Bills Passed and awaiting Senate Response: HB1028, HB1086, HB1169, HB1191, HB1201, HB1205, HB1214, HB1229, HB1257, HB1274, HB1303, HB1307, HB1352, HB1375, HB1388, HB1391, HB1400, HB1419, HB1429, HB1430, HB1453, HB1454, HB1467, HB1476, HB1489, HB1505, HB1510, HB1511, HB1527, HB1531, HB1535, HB1537, HB1541, HB1577, HB1579, HB1588, HB1596, HB1597, HB1600, HB1614, HCR3013, HCR3018, HCR3030. Those that failed include: HB1028, HB1036, HB1037, HB1111, HB1245, HB1249, HB1271, HB1276, HB1290, HB1360, HB1409, HB1431, HB1453, HB1465, HB1467, HB1475, HB1505, HB1514, HB1538, HCR3021. No Bills Withdrawn.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2214: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0555-01000.pdf
This Bill proposes transferring the duties of the North Dakota Securities Commissioner to the Insurance Commissioner. The bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to reflect this change, consolidating regulatory oversight within the insurance department. It affects financial institutions, securities professionals, and regulatory compliance processes by centralizing authority. The bill enlarges government oversight by expanding the responsibilities of the Insurance Commissioner. It would eliminate the standalone position of the Securities Commissioner and transfer all related duties and responsibilities to the Insurance Commissioner’s office. This restructuring consolidates regulatory oversight within the insurance department, aiming to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency. Affected stakeholders include financial institutions, investment firms, and individuals involved in securities regulation.
SB2217: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0568-06000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s dental practice regulations, focusing on the licensing and practice of dental hygienists and dentists. It introduces volunteer licenses, updates definitions, and clarifies procedures for license renewals, credential reviews, and continuing education. The bill impacts dental professionals by refining licensing processes and compliance requirements. It enlarges government oversight but does not impose significant new restrictions on individuals. It expands licensing opportunities by introducing volunteer licenses for dental professionals and refining existing licensing criteria. This change allows more flexibility in issuing licenses, particularly for those providing volunteer dental services. The bill also clarifies requirements for obtaining and renewing licenses, potentially streamlining the process for more practitioners to enter the field.
SB2270: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1190-01000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of a provisional licensure program for international physicians in North Dakota. It sets eligibility criteria, including educational and professional requirements, and establishes a pathway for provisional license holders to transition to full licensure after three years of active practice. Business owners in the healthcare industry, such as hospitals and clinics, may benefit from an expanded pool of qualified physicians, potentially addressing workforce shortages.
This could impact existing healthcare providers by increasing competition as international physicians enter the workforce under provisional licenses. This may lead to changes in patient distribution and staffing dynamics within hospitals and clinics. On the other hand, it could help alleviate workforce shortages, reducing strain on existing staff and improving healthcare access in underserved areas. Providers may need to adjust their hiring practices and credentialing processes to accommodate the new licensure pathway
SB2281: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0684-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s tobacco tax regulations by defining and taxing alternative tobacco products, including nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco items. The bill introduces new tax rates, revises revenue allocation, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. Business owners in retail and wholesale tobacco sales may experience increased tax liabilities and compliance requirements. The bill also creates a tobacco tax distribution fund to direct collected revenues for specific purposes.
SB2393: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1341-01000.pdf
This Bill increases the quarterly transfer from the charitable gaming operating fund to the gambling disorder prevention and treatment fund from $10,000 to $33,500. The bill also authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to hire a full-time staff member to focus on gambling addiction prevention and treatment efforts. These changes could impact charitable gaming organizations, local governments, and gambling addiction support services by redirecting more funds toward prevention programs.
HB1086: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8126-05000.pdf.
This Bill proposes changes to the North Dakota Century Code related to the enforcement fund for the Reduced Cigarette Ignition Propensity and Firefighter Protection Act. The bill renames the fund and clarifies its purpose to support the state fire marshal’s activities, including processing, testing, enforcement, and oversight. Affected stakeholders include cigarette manufacturers and regulatory agencies, as the bill ensures proper funding allocation for compliance enforcement.
HB1191: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0450-04000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of an Office of Entrepreneurship within the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The office will support new businesses by providing technical assistance, enhancing learning opportunities, and expanding access to resources. It will also track state contract awards to young businesses and make recommendations for improving entrepreneurship. The bill appropriates $485,000 for staffing and operations. This measure could benefit startups, small businesses, and economic development efforts.
HB1276: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0810-01000.pdf
This Bill allows public-spirited organizations in North Dakota to use net income from raffles for political purposes if they are nonfederal candidate campaign committees, state political parties, or legislative district party committees. The bill defines these organizations as eligible for gaming permits and requires them to disclose their intended use of funds. It could impact political groups and charitable organizations by clarifying their ability to engage in fundraising through raffles.
HB1290: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1028-01000.pdf
This Bill proposes amendments to the rules regulating electronic pull tab games in North Dakota. It clarifies that the Gaming Commission cannot require these games or deals to be closed at the end of a quarter but may mandate a report to be generated and printed instead. This change aims to provide flexibility while maintaining oversight of gaming activities.
If the bill passes, it would provide more flexibility for gaming sites offering electronic pull tab games by removing the requirement to close games or deals at the end of each quarter. Instead, operators would only need to generate and print reports. This change would reduce operational constraints while maintaining necessary oversight.
HB:1453: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1078-02000.pdf
This Bill aims to prohibit natural asset companies from operating in North Dakota. It restricts the state and its political subdivisions from selling or leasing land or resources to these companies and bans public investment in them. The bill establishes penalties for violations and grants legal standing to government officials or citizens to challenge violations in court. This bill could impact financial institutions, environmental organizations, and state resource management policies.
HB1465: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1136-02000.pdf
This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s gaming tax structure, altering tax rates based on an organization’s adjusted gross proceeds. Organizations with proceeds under $150,000 will be taxed at 1%, those between $150,000 and $250,000 at 6% plus $500, and those exceeding $250,000 at 12%. The bill is expected to reduce state revenue by approximately $3.24 million per biennium. Affected stakeholders include charitable gaming organizations and the state budget.
~ Wow, Today was a marathon session, and we can expect more of the same excitement tomorrow as lawmakers rush to finalize things just before crossover. If you’re visiting the Capitol on Tuesday, don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello! I’ll be there with my grandkids, making it a Government Day for them as we explore how a bill becomes a law. It’s a great reminder that learning is a lifelong journey, and we should all continue to educate ourselves. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge the impact of your actions, like your decision to join forces with North Dakota Businesses United (NDBU) so you can be educated on things that matter!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 