Insight #40

Mar 19, 2025

Legislative Overview ~ March 19, 2025

Today’s legislative sessions in North Dakota were notable for their efficiency, with minimal deliberation required for the bills under consideration. Such streamlined days are certainly welcome, as they allow lawmakers to make progress on key issues without unnecessary delay.

 

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

 

8 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                    HB1002, HB1007, HB1014, HB1200, HB1204, HB1331, HB1347, & HB1394.  Those that failed include:  HB1508.

10 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                     SB2086, SB2129, SB2133, SB2149, SB2217, SB2238, SB2251, SB2362, & SB2369 + HB1497.  There were none which failed.

 

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2086:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8120-02000.pdf

This Bill updates North Dakota’s pesticide regulations by aligning certification and control standards with federal requirements. It amends definitions related to pesticide application, expands certification requirements for private and commercial applicators, and revises licensing regulations for pesticide dealers. The bill also clarifies procedures for handling restricted-use pesticides and introduces new guidelines for enforcement and compliance.

This legislation could impact farmers, pesticide applicators, agricultural businesses, and environmental agencies by requiring updated certification processes and stricter compliance measures. While it may enhance safety and environmental protections, it could also increase regulatory burdens for businesses that rely on pesticides for crop protection.

SB2129:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8033-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes revisions to North Dakota’s veterinary medicine regulations. It introduces new definitions, updates licensing requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and clarifies the scope of practice, including complementary and alternative therapies. The bill also establishes penalties for noncompliance and provides updated guidelines for veterinary education and professional conduct. Affected stakeholders include veterinary professionals, animal owners, and regulatory bodies.  It updates licensing requirements by introducing clearer criteria for obtaining and maintaining veterinary licenses, including continuing education and professional conduct standards. It also expands the scope of practice to include complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, provided they meet regulatory guidelines. The bill aims to modernize veterinary services and ensure compliance with updated professional standards.

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.

SB2369:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1357-03000.pdf

This Bill amends North Dakota’s tax exemption laws for educational, religious, or charitable activities conducted by nonprofits. The bill clarifies that gross receipts from ticket sales or admissions to such events remain tax-exempt only if the entire net revenue is used for those nonprofit purposes. It introduces restrictions on exemptions when events are held in publicly owned facilities without fair market rent being paid and limits tax-exempt status for organizations that compete with retailers through regular sales or online commerce.  This bill could affect educational, religious & charitable nonprofit organizations and retail providers.

HB1508:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1271-02000.pdf   ~ FAILED

This bill proposes changes to the way agricultural land is assessed for taxation purposes in North Dakota. It revises the criteria that local assessors must use to determine the agricultural value of land, prioritizing actual land use and soil classification. The bill may impact farmers, agricultural businesses, and local tax authorities by potentially altering tax liabilities and assessment procedures. The bill was set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

 

  ~  To stay informed about the legislative process and its potential impacts on your business or community, continue to follow the updates we provide. If you have questions or concerns about specific bills or legislative developments, feel free to reach out to us for clarification.

It’s also important to remember that your voice matters in shaping the legislative agenda. If you have strong feelings about a particular bill, don’t hesitate to contact your representatives. Expressing your perspective can help them better understand the needs and concerns of their constituents, which is crucial for informed decision-making. By engaging with your lawmakers, you can play a vital role in ensuring that legislation aligns with the interests of your community.

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Officer