Legislative Overview ~ April 2, 2025

During today’s legislative sessions in North Dakota, the Senate demonstrated efficiency by passing 24 bills and rejecting 4, while the House passed only 14 bills due to extended debate on Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008. This resolution, which revisited discussions from Day 52 of the session, proposed amending the voter-initiated term limits measure passed in 2022.  Scroll down for details.

 

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

 

24 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                    HB1008, HB1017, HB1022, HB1029, HB1064, HB1146, HB1218, HB1234, HB1319, HB1355, HB1364, HB1374, HB1470, SB2039, SB2057, SB2063, SB2092, SB2109, SB2124, SB2176, SB2335, SB2379, & SB2398.  Those which were failed include: HB1326, HB1572 & HB1583.

14 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                       HB1001, HB1024, HB1127, HB1140, HB1167, HB1170, HB1204, HB1205, HB1206, HB1241, HB1278, HB1316, HB1447, & HB1564  + SCR4008.  There were none which were failed.

 

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2063:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0183-02000.pdf

This Bill  amends section 24-02-20 of the North Dakota Century Code. It allows a delay of up to 21 days for the opening and resubmission of construction bids. This change gives the Department of Transportation more flexibility in scheduling bid openings. The bill also outlines bond requirements for bidders and clarifies how bonds or checks from the three lowest bidders are handled. It would provide bidders with more time—up to 21 days—before a construction bid opening. This adjustment allows bidders to prepare more thoroughly. Additionally, the bill clarifies that bonds or checks from the three lowest bidders will be handled in a specific way. The changes may reduce the risk of rushed submissions and ensure better-informed decisions.

SB2092:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8133-02000.pdf

This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to life settlement producer licenses and reporting requirements. It modifies the timelines for license renewals and aligns the renewal terms for different license types (providers and brokers) with related insurance licenses. It also specifies that licenses issued in specific periods are exempt from renewal until the following calendar year.

This bill could impact  Life Settlement Providers and Brokers: Clearer renewal schedules and timelines, Insurance Industry: Standardized processes across licenses, and Regulators: Administrative changes for tracking renewals.

SB2109:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8012-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota’s workforce safety and insurance laws. It updates definitions related to disability and electronic communications, clarifies rules for administrative decisions and appeals, adjusts maximum death benefits, and modifies provisions related to the scholarship fund. The bill primarily affects injured workers, employers, and workforce safety administrators by streamlining processes and improving clarity in benefit eligibility and claims handling.  This bill could affect employers by introducing changes to workforce safety and insurance regulations. Employers may experience adjustments in reporting requirements, claims processes, and compliance obligations. The bill could potentially impact employer costs related to workplace injuries, including changes in benefit calculations and administrative procedures. Employers will need to ensure they stay compliant with updated regulations to avoid penalties and maintain efficient claims handling.

SB2124:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8129-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes changes to North Dakota’s insurance regulations by creating new sections related to insurance company inquiries and statements. It establishes procedures for handling data requests, confidentiality requirements, and filing of market conduct annual statements. The bill affects insurance companies, regulators, and policyholders by enhancing oversight and transparency in industry practices. It includes provisions for data confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

HB1147:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1011-03000.pdf

This Bill proposes the creation of a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code to regulate virtual currency kiosks. The bill outlines requirements and standards for businesses operating these kiosks, which allow customers to buy or sell digital assets like cryptocurrency. Affected stakeholders include kiosk operators, financial institutions, and consumers using these services. The bill may introduce compliance measures that impact business operations and regulatory oversight.

HB1319:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0451-02000.pdf

This Bill would require the North Dakota State Investment Board to create and maintain a public website detailing all investments made with the state’s Legacy Fund. This website would list the names of companies, funds, derivatives, and other financial mechanisms, along with the country of incorporation and the amount of money invested in each. The purpose is to increase transparency regarding the use of Legacy Fund investments.  While individual taxpayers wouldn’t need to take specific actions, they might gain more insight into how their state’s investments are being handled. This bill would primarily concern state officials and the public, particularly those interested in how taxpayer money is invested through the Legacy Fund.

 

The most contentious issue in yesterday’s legislative sessions was not a bill but Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, again heard in the House, which sought to amend the term limits established by voters in 2022. The resolution proposed changes that would allow lawmakers to serve longer terms—up to three full four-year terms in each chamber—and repeal the constitutional provision prohibiting legislative amendments to the voter-initiated measure. This again sparked intense debate, as the original measure explicitly forbids legislators from making such amendments, with proponents of the resolution arguing that this restriction is unconstitutional.  It was brought back to the floor today because some members were absent yesterday, giving others a chance to reconsider and change their votes and it ultimately was passed by a vote of 53-39-2.  This means that this issue will be placed on the ballot for voters to again decide.  Some say institutional knowledge makes adding another term to each chamber necessary and opponents argued the people have spoken and the vote to pass this is ignores the constitution.  Where do you fall on this issue?

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director