Legislative Overview ~ April 17, 2025
The North Dakota Senate spent significant time debating and amending HB1540, a school choice funding bill, before passing it 27-20. The bill creates an Education Savings Account program for families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, allowing public funds to be used for private school tuition and other educational expenses starting in 2026. Supporters highlight increased access to educational options and enrichment activities, while opponents raise concerns about private schools not being required to accept all applicants and the impact on public school funding. The close vote indicates this will remain a key issue in future legislative sessions.
The House session involved a series of votes on Senate and House measures from Energy and Natural Resources, Appropriations, Political Subdivisions, Finance and Taxation, Agriculture, Education, Judiciary, and Human Services, though none required the extensive debate witnessed in the Senate.
Here is a summary of what took place during today’s floor sessions:
4 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature: HB1012, HB1540, HB1577, & HB1619. There were none failed.
20 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature: HB1126, HB1016, HB1032, HB1160, HB1181, HB1209, HB1226, HB1234, HB1247, HB1446, HB1469, HB1487, HB1498, HB1531, HB1533, HB1542, HB1556, SB2256, SB2340, & SB2370 + HCR 3018. Those which were failed include: SB2339.
The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:
HB1466: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0453-05000.pdf
This Bill seeks to amend North Dakota’s alcohol laws by redefining terms related to distilleries, including “domestic distillery” and “manufacturing distillery,” and introducing provisions for satellite locations. The bill allows manufacturing distilleries to sell spirits at off-site retail locations and hold events at these sites. It impacts businesses in the alcohol production and retail sectors by expanding opportunities for direct sales and promotional events.
~ While it may seem that today’s North Dakota legislative floor sessions had little direct impact on business, the reality is that nearly every policy decision can affect the broader business environment. For example, the passage of HB1540—a major child care and education savings account bill—demonstrates this connection. By allocating nearly $66 million to expand access to affordable, quality child care and introducing education savings accounts for families, the legislature is addressing workforce participation barriers, supporting working parents, and strengthening the talent pipeline for local businesses.
Legislation like HB1540, though not labeled as a “business bill,” directly influences the ability of parents to work, the stability of the workforce, and the long-term economic health of the state. Tracking such bills and understanding both their language and intent helps us identify patterns in legislative priorities and informs our choices as voters and business leaders. Your engagement and feedback remain crucial as we work together to create the best possible business environment in North Dakota.
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 