Insight #54

Apr 8, 2025

Legislative Overview ~ April 8, 2025

Today’s legislative sessions in North Dakota were notably efficient, with most deliberations proceeding smoothly and quickly. However, two bills stood out as exceptions, sparking more extensive discussion.

In the House,  SB2241 related to charter schools drew significant attention. This issue has been contentious, with proponents arguing that charter schools offer alternative educational options for families, while opponents express concerns about potential resource diversion from traditional public schools. It passed, 64-29 and is on it’s way to the Governor’s desk.

In the Senate, HB1510, which offers an income tax credit for employers providing childcare contributions, reflects broader legislative efforts to support working families and address childcare affordability issues.  It’s a proposal to integrate child care services within public schools for teachers and it generated considerable debate. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by educators in balancing work and family responsibilities, particularly given the state’s childcare shortages and high costs.  Even after all that discussion, this bill failed to garner enough support and narrowly failed by a vote of 22-24.

These discussions highlight the ongoing efforts of North Dakota lawmakers to address complex issues affecting education and family support systems in the state.

 

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

 

8 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                     HB1003, HB1026, HB1219, HB1223, HB1254, HB1297, HB1479, & HB1531.  Those which were failed include: HB1191, HB1265, HB1368, & HB1510.

11 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature:                                                                                     HB1300, HB 2024,HB 2033, HB2186, HB2216, HB2232, HB2241, HB2245, HB2280, HB2374, & HB2396.  Those which were failed include: SB2239 & SB2286.

 

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2239:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0612-04000.pdf   ~  FAILED

This proposes the creation of an apprenticeship grant program administered by the North Dakota labor commissioner. The program aims to provide financial assistance of up to $1,000 per year to eligible individuals enrolled in qualifying registered apprenticeship programs. The bill appropriates $1,100,000 for the program from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Business owners in industries relying on skilled labor could benefit from a more trained workforce, while apprenticeship program providers may experience increased enrollment and funding opportunities.  It does not provide funding specifically for businesses to implement new apprenticeship programs. The bill focuses on offering financial assistance to individuals who enroll in qualifying registered apprenticeship programs, rather than directly funding businesses to create or expand apprenticeship opportunities. Businesses may indirectly benefit from an increase in skilled workers entering the workforce through these programs.

SB2396:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1372-06000.pdf

This Bill directs Legislative Management to contract an out-of-state, independent third party to conduct a performance audit of the North Dakota Department of Commerce for the 2025-2027 biennium. The audit will assess the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the department’s operations from 2020 to 2024, comparing them to industry best practices and providing recommendations for improvements.  This bill could impact businesses and economic development organizations that interact with the Department of Commerce by identifying potential changes in funding, regulatory processes, or agency priorities. State employees and policymakers may also be affected if the audit results lead to operational restructuring or policy reforms. The final report is due by August 30, 2026, and could influence future legislative decisions regarding the department’s role in business development.

 

  ~  The North Dakota Legislature has seen mixed results this session regarding bills aimed at workforce development through apprenticeships. Unfortunately, SB2239 above, which sought to establish an Apprenticeship Grant Program to provide financial support for individuals entering skilled trades, failed to advance. Similarly, HB1036, which proposed creating a Division of Apprenticeship within the Department of Labor and Human Rights, and HB1609, focused on apprenticeships for the BAR, have also failed to advance.

However, there is still hope with HB1191, which would create an Office of Entrepreneurship to foster business innovation and development. This bill has not yet reached the floor for deliberation but represents a promising opportunity for advancing business-focused initiatives in North Dakota and we’ll be keeping track of that one for you.

Recognizing the importance of workforce solutions, North Dakota Businesses United (NDBU) is stepping in to fill the gap!  We are developing a Business Roundtable Event aimed at finding practical apprenticeship solutions for industries that traditionally lack such programs, including hospitality, retail, agriculture, and more. Make sure to stay connected with us for updates on this initiative as we work to support businesses and workforce development across the state.

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director