Legislative Overview ~ April 11, 2025
The House spent significant time debating SB2137 (Energy & Natural Resources), rejecting two amendment divisions before passing the bill 56–34. It had much to do about deer baiting. A number of other bills passed with strong support, addressing resource, human services, and local government issues.
The Senate rejected several House amendments early on and moved through a heavy slate of final votes. Key appropriations and workforce bills passed comfortably. Final concurrences on multiple Senate bills wrapped the session with broad agreement on business, energy, and workforce priorities.
Here is a summary of what took place during today’s floor sessions:
15 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature: HB1126, HB1143, HB1214, HB1280, HB1448, HB1499, HB1524, HB1542, HB1582, HB1613, SB2117, SB2120, SB2198, SB2214, & SB2221. Those which were failed include: HB1283, HB1527, & HB1541.
4 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature: SB2069, SB2137, SB2210 & SB2387. Those which were failed include: SB2325.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
SB2214: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0555-02000.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.
SB2221: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0638-03000.pdf
This Bill amends North Dakota’s skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship programs to include individuals who have completed a Master of Science degree in nursing while teaching four clinical credits per year. It also clarifies eligibility requirements for educational programs that qualify for these initiatives, ensuring they align with high-demand occupations in the state. The bill impacts nursing professionals, educational institutions, and workforce development programs.
HB1448: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0883-04000.pdf
This Bill proposes the creation of an advanced technology grant program and review committee to support early-stage research, development, and innovation in North Dakota. The bill establishes eligibility criteria for startups and small businesses seeking funding for advanced technology projects, with priority given to areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The bill appropriates $5 million for the program and outlines requirements for monitoring and evaluating grant recipients’ progress.
~ TGIF! Today, the House showcased the intense passion surrounding deer hunting and baiting regulations. The debates were lively and extensive, reflecting how deeply this issue resonates across the state. This follows yesterday’s passage of a bill that doubles the price of deer tags—a move that has sparked significant discussion among legislators and residents alike.
Looking ahead, next week marks critical deadlines in the legislative process. All bills and resolutions must be reported out of committee in their second house, ensuring they are ready for voting and final actions. With May 9th signaling the end of the 80-day session, lawmakers are working diligently to wrap up all pending matters before time runs out. Have a great weekend and stay tuned for updates as these important decisions unfold!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director. 