Legislative Overview ~ April 18, 2025
With just 15 legislative days remaining in the 69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly, the pace at the Capitol is set to intensify. Both the House and Senate will “gavel – in” at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 21st, continuing through approximately 12:30 p.m. before breaking for lunch and then moving into committee, appropriations, and conference committee work. There are still over 67 bills and resolutions left to address before the session concludes, making it likely that lawmakers will need to hold evening and weekend committee meetings to complete their work on time. The schedule from this point forward will be far from “normal,” as legislators push to finalize key legislation and meet session deadlines.
Here is a summary of what took place during today’s floor sessions:
8 Bills Passed in the Senate and awaiting Governor’s Signature: HB1009, HB1298, HB1579, SB2021, SB2025, SB2086, SB2267, & SB2327. Those that were failed include: HCR3037.
3 Bills Passed in the House and awaiting Governor’s Signature: SB2339, SB2156, & SB2003. There were none 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.
~ With a packed agenda, the next two weeks in the North Dakota Legislature will be fast-paced and unpredictable. The risk is real that some significant fiscal measures and others could be introduced or decided at the last minute—sometimes with little public notice—in an effort to wrap up business before the session ends. This “shotgun” approach can make it harder for the public to track important decisions, and could be detrimental if we aren’t vigilant. So the 2-week countdown now begins, as our ND Constitution mandates just 80 regular legislative days.
As we head into Easter weekend, it’s also important to pause and recharge—both for legislators and for all of us watching the process closely. Take this time to step back, spend time with loved ones, and reflect, knowing that the legislative work will resume in full force on Monday. Staying engaged and alert when the session reconvenes will be essential to ensuring transparency and protecting the interests of the electorate. Enjoy a restful and blessed holiday weekend.
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 