Legislative Overview ~ May 1, 2025

Almost there!  All the floor sessions today were filled with conference committee reports that, if adopted, were forwarded for final passage.  Both chambers held multiple floor sessions, with the House gaveling in twice and the Senate 3 times, finishing up at 8pm.  The Senate brought back SB2160, which had been vetoed by the Governor regarding public employee health insurance benefits, but the 2/3 majority was not achieved to override it.  The House failed the controversial 80mph speed limit bill in the morning session, but then brought it back in the evening session and passed it.  Still many appropriation bills to go and only one more day this week to accomplish their agenda, so tomorrow will be a long day for legislators.

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

 

12 Bills Passed in the Senate:             

HB1012, HB1019, HB1535, HB1577, HB1619, SB2002, SB2006, SB2015, SB2018, SB2225, SB2256, & SB2397.  Those which were failed include: HB1130 & SB2093.

12 Bills Passed in the House:

HB1012, HB1019, HB1130, HB1298, HB1535, HB1619, SB2002, SB2006, SB2009, SB2015, SB2354, & SB2397.   Those which were failed include: HB1298 & SB2225.

 

The Bills we are tracking regarding the business world include:

 

SB2225:  https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1186-05000.pdf

This Bill proposes a $50 million appropriation to the North Dakota Department of Commerce for a housing program aimed at supporting affordable housing infrastructure. The funds will be allocated based on community size, with matching contributions required from local governments, developers, and private sources. The bill includes a reporting requirement to track program progress and an emergency clause for immediate implementation. It affects local governments, developers, and residents needing affordable housing.  It could benefit business owners by increasing the availability of affordable housing, potentially attracting more workers to the area and supporting workforce stability. Developers and construction-related businesses may see increased demand for their services due to the infrastructure investments. However, business owners could face higher local taxes or fees if matching funds are required from local sources. The bill aims to stimulate economic growth by addressing housing shortages, which can indirectly support businesses in affected communities.

HB1298: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0496-03000.pdf

This Bill updates North Dakota’s traffic laws by adjusting the fine structure for speeding and traffic violations, increasing maximum speed limits on interstates from 75 to 80 mph, and allowing for variable speed zones based on real-time conditions. It also limits how much speed limits can drop between posted signs, generally to no more than 20 mph, with exceptions for construction and safety zones. Cities may set traffic violation fines up to double the state rate, except for speeding violations.

The bill directs the North Dakota Highway Patrol to study the current driver’s license points system and traffic fine schedule and submit recommendations to the legislature by August 2026. Stakeholders affected include drivers, law enforcement, municipal governments, and transportation officials.

 

~  With the North Dakota Legislative Assembly’s regular session nearing its end, lawmakers are working under significant pressure to finalize a large number of bills, many of which remain stuck in conference committees or have been sent back for further negotiation after failing to gain approval from both chambers. Appropriation bills for the state’s largest departments are among the most contentious, as legislators are faced with tough budget decisions and the need to stretch every dollar to meet competing priorities.
To keep up with the pace, both chambers held multiple floor sessions today after taking yesterday off to allow conference committees time to iron out differences and prepare bills for final votes. The rush continues into Friday, with at least three floor sessions scheduled in each chamber as lawmakers aim to wrap up the session for this biennium. How do you feel your legislator has represented your district this session? What outcomes did you hope for, and were they achieved? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Jan Wangler, Executive Director.