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During the 69th Legislative Assembly, North Dakota Democratic-NPL Insider will provide updates and calls to action each day of the regular session. If you would like to have something added to the newsletter, email us at laura.dronen@demnpl.com. Spread the word of our newsletter by sharing our sign-up link today: https://demnpl.com/join-our-newsletter/.
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The North Dakota Legislative Session is fast-paced and every bill gets a vote unless it's withdrawn. Are there bills you want to know more about or bills that you are following that you think should get more attention? Please let us know!
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What happened today?
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Today is the deadline for Senators to introduce bills! Legislators still have until January 30th to submit resolutions. If you are wondering about the difference, the ND legislative website says, "Bills create, amend, or repeal law... Resolutions propose constitutional amendments, express opinions, request actions, congratulate, or console."
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The House Finance and Taxation Committee heard a number of bills regarding property tax. Democratic-NPL legislators and candidates have long fought for property tax relief, and Sen. Mathern will be introducing a bill addressing property taxes tomorrow! Unfortunately, based on the opposition testimony, some of the bills heard today didn’t seem to be well-thought-out solutions. We'll see how the committee feels.
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Rep. Bill Tveit (R-33) has a bill (HB 1144) to enforce North Dakota’s bathroom bill from 2023 that was meant to target trans students. The Attorney General’s office pointed out that they were not consulted on this bill, and that it would likely require more resources from the legislature for their department to enforce this law. Cody Schuler of the ACLU of North Dakota pointed out that the law from 2023 is not in line with federal law. Rep. Austin Foss (D-44), who is an architect, gave an in-depth testimony on how this bill prohibits bathroom design that would increase both privacy and safety for students.
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Democratic-NPL Bills
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Sen. Josh Boschee's bill (SB 2198) which is intended to remove a waiting period for newly hired public employees to be eligible for their 20 days of paid military leave passed the Senate unanimously!
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Rep Jayme Davis' bill (HB 1564) which updates North Dakota's Indian Child Welfare law and Rep. Mary Schneider's bill (HB 1567) proposing a legislative management study to improve access to dental and oral health care for low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities were heard in the House Human Services Committee.
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Sen. Kathy Hogan's bills (SB 2282) for an income tax credit for child care contributions provided by qualified employers and (SB 2281) regarding taxes on vapes were heard in the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee.
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Her bill (SB 2305) to continue a family paid caregiver service program and the cross-disability advisory council and Sen. Tim Mathern's bill (SB 2316) to augment long-term care services for patients with ventilator or psychiatric needs were heard in the Senate Human Services Committee.
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What's coming up?
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Rep. Toman has a bill (HB 1239) that would put up barriers for communities who have concerns about digital asset (cryptocurrency) mining. One item in the bill reads, “An individual may not be prohibited, restricted, or otherwise prevented from participating in digital asset mining in an area zoned for residential use if the individual engaging in digital asset mining complies with all county noise ordinances.” A lot of places in North Dakota don’t have noise ordinances. Many folks who work for cities around the state have submitted testimony against this bill, and cited that weather can play a big role in the noise level of digital asset mining facilities.
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Rep. Eric Murphy (R-43) is introducing a bill in the House Education Committee tomorrow that would legalize public charter schools in North Dakota.
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Democratic-NPL Bills
Sen. Tim Mathern's bill (SB 2298) to create a broad-based homestead tax credit style program
without any age, income, or status restrictions will be heard in the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee.
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Sen. Ryan Braunberger will present three bills to protect renters in North Dakota. SB 2235 and SB 2236 seek to improve clarity and fairness in rental agreements. Under the third (SB 2237), the Labor Commissioner would be empowered to receive and investigate tenant complaints. Braunberger will also present a bill to update outdated, gender-specific terms in ND Century Code such as “husband and wife” with inclusive terminology like “two individuals married to each other” or “spouses." In his testimony, Braunberger writes, Members of the Judiciary Committee, this bill is not just about changing words; it is about changing lives. It is about ensuring that our laws reflect the values of equality, respect, and dignity that we hold dear. By embracing these amendments, we send a clear message: North Dakota is a state that values fairness and recognizes the humanity of all its citizens."
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Rep. Karla Rose Hanson's bills protect access to birth control (HB 1478) and IVF (HB 1477) will be heard in the House Human Services Committee.
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Voter registration, campaign finance reporting debated by North Dakota lawmakers
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The latest proposal to require voter registration in North Dakota met strong opposition last week.
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North Dakota is the only state in the country without voter registration. Instead, voters must provide valid identification at the polls or when they request a mail-in ballot.
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Over the years, state lawmakers have repeatedly heard — and rejected — bills to implement a registration process. Rep. Mike Schatz, R-New England, is reviving the effort this session with House Bill 1287.
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Letter: An open letter to Fedorchak, Hoeven and Cramer
Pardoning the Jan. 6 insurrectionists that attacked law enforcement officers was another slap in the face by the “law and order, back the blue” president. Kevin “no backbone” Cramer called the pardons a “gift” and he wouldn’t discuss the controversy over the pardons and “only wants to move forward”
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North Dakota House passes bill to shorten time for educators to attain lifetime licensure
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Much of the support for HB 1238 comes in the name of improving recruitment and retention of teachers.
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Ista said the bill would reduce continuing education expenses for teachers, estimating the average educator could save up to $1,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.
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Guest Editorial: The Mathern Tax Reform Plan (SB 2298)
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In general terms this bill is a broad-based homestead tax credit style program without any age, income, or status restrictions. The main qualifier is that the home serves as a person’s primary residence.
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The amount of credit a person can receive is calculated the same way as the existing homestead tax credit, which provides an up to equivalent of $200,000 in true and full value.
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· The credit stays the same for tax year 2024 but under the bill, trusts, corps, life estates and contracts for deed would also qualify. It solves the issue we had this past year with trusts not qualifying.
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Committees
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Every bill is voted on in the North Dakota legislature, but first, it must go through a committee hearing. The committee will vote to give the bill a "Do Pass" or a "Do Not Pass" recommendation. Below is a list of Standing Committees this legislative session.
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Senate Standing Committee Members
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Meets Monday through Friday
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Desiree Van Oosting (R-36)
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Desiree Van Oosting (R-36)
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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House Standing Committee Members
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Gretchen Dobervich (D-11)
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Cynthia Schreiber-Beck (R-25)
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Meets Monday through Friday
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Cynthia Schreiber-Beck (R-25)
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Patrick R. Hatlestad (R-1)
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Mike Motschenbacher (R-47)
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Gretchen Dobervich (D-11)
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-4A)
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Meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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Lawrence R. Klemin (R-47)
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Patrick R. Hatlestad (R-1)
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Lawrence R. Klemin (R-47)
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Mike Motschenbacher (R-47)
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Meets Thursday and Friday
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Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-4A)
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The Century Club supports our year-round work to build party infrastructure supporting candidate recruitment, local district and regional leadership, issue-based education, and tools for Dem-NPL success.
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Help us elect great Democrats up and down the ballot!
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The North Dakota Democratic-NPL is launching a new grassroots program called “Neighbor to Neighbor” where volunteers will connect with voters in your community to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. As a volunteer, you will be responsible for connecting with voters in 25 homes in your neighborhood or friends and family to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot about 3-4 times this year.
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Grassroots organizers are the lifeblood of the Dem-NPL! Sign up to volunteer with the Dem-NPL!
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