Legislative Overview ~ April 28, 2025

As the North Dakota Legislature moves swiftly through its packed agenda, today’s House floor session saw the passage of a diverse slate of bills addressing key areas of state policy. Lawmakers approved funding for regional planning councils to support local economic development, as well as appropriations for the State Fair Association and the Insurance Commissioner’s office. Public safety and accountability were also on the docket, with new measures clarifying traffic offense responsibilities and updating driver record processes.

Education and social policy featured prominently, including a bill prohibiting all-gender bathrooms in K-12 public schools and several measures updating curriculum and administrative procedures. The House also advanced significant appropriations for veterans’ services and multiple health and human services programs, ensuring continued support for North Dakota’s communities. These actions reflect the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to balancing state operations, public safety, education, and social services as the session draws closer to its conclusion.

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

 

 12 Bills Passed in the Senate:             

HB1005, HB1009, HB1010, HB1022, HB1144, HB1199, HB1218, HB1454, HB1485, SB2010, SB2188, & SB2323.  There were none that were failed.

5 Bills Passed in the House:

HB1009, HB1010, HB1144, HB1229, HB1524, SB2020, SB2029, SB2033, SB2113, SB2147, SB2265, & SB2370.   Those that were failed include: HB1300.

 

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2113:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-8094-07000.pdf

This Bill proposes amendments to North Dakota laws related to behavioral health services. It introduces certified community behavioral health clinics, updates financing provisions for health and human services, and revises existing statutes to reflect new service models and terminology. The bill impacts healthcare providers, patients, and government agencies by enhancing access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments.  It could affect the business community, particularly healthcare providers, insurers, and employers involved in behavioral health services. Businesses offering mental health support for employees may see expanded service options and potential cost implications. Healthcare providers could experience regulatory changes, funding opportunities, and increased demand for services. Employers might also face indirect impacts if workforce mental health programs align with the bill’s provisions.

HB1454:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0975-06000.pdf

This Bill, as amended by the conference committee, introduces a provision to the North Dakota Century Code mandating that any state agency, political subdivision, or government entity requiring vaccination must provide an opt-out procedure for individuals citing health, religious, or philosophical reasons. This requirement ensures that individuals have the right to decline vaccinations based on personal beliefs or health considerations.​  Specifically for educational and child care institutions—including schools, day care centers, child care facilities, Head Start programs, and nursery schools—the bill stipulates adherence to the existing opt-out provisions outlined in section 23-07-17.1 of the Century Code. This ensures consistency in vaccination policies across various institutions while respecting individual choices.​

Stakeholders affected by this legislation include state and local government agencies, educational and child care institutions, and individuals subject to vaccination requirements. By mandating opt-out procedures for vaccinations, the bill reinforces individual rights to make personal health decisions based on health, religious, or philosophical grounds.

 

  ~  It’s easy to notice that both legislative chambers sometimes appear to be working on the same bills simultaneously. This overlap often happens when one chamber concurs with amendments from the other, leading to final approval and quick back-and-forth movement-sometimes all in a single day. The legislative process can seem confusing, especially as bills jump between various orders or move rapidly from one chamber to another, into conference committees, or on to the governor’s desk for signature or veto.

At NDBU, tracking these developments has been a valuable learning experience, and we hope our updates have helped clarify how your tax dollars and state regulations are managed. If you ever have questions about specific bills or the legislative process itself, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to sharing what we know and finding answers when we don’t. Let’s keep the conversation going-your engagement makes a difference!

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director