Legislative Update: 17 Days Left - Max

It's the final countdown... Dadada dun, dada da dun dun, da da duun, da da dun dun, duuuun dada duuuun dada dun dun dun dun dun, duuuun, duuuuuuuun

With just 17 days left, here’s where things stand.

Monday was the start of day 63. As we've previously mentioned, the legislative session is restricted to 80 days per the ND Constitution. Legislative leadership does not want to use all of these days as there may be some work to do specific to North Dakota's current and future needs. In the past, examples of what brought them "back" was redistricting, federal stimulus money, Supreme Court opinion on the OMB Bill. The Governor can request the legislators to return for action on matters such as these, which would not require the use of these allotted 80 days.

GNDC SUPPORT BILLS

• HB 1448 – Advanced Technology Grant Program (Amended to Study)
  • Originally introduced by the late Rep. Christy, this bill aimed to establish a grant program within the Department of Commerce to support early-stage R&D in advanced technology.
  • While the grant portion was removed, we still support the amended version calling for a study to assess North Dakota’s current capacity and chart a strategy to grow this sector.
    • Fun fact: 15% of our members told us in our Employer and Economics Survey that they are frequently using AI, 63% are toe-dipping to supplement their workforce needs
  • This had action in the Senate, it was passed as amended 46-0-1
    • Expectation: Conference committee will move forward with the Senate's version.

GNDC OPPOSITION BILLS

• HB 1584 – Prescription Drug Benefit Regulation
• The bill’s intent is to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
• However, it also impacts self-funded insurance plans, which are protected under federal ERISA law.
  • ERISA preempts state-level regulation of these plans—raising potential legal conflicts and increased healthcare costs.
• Amended to include funding for the Insurance Department and a required actuarial study.
• 🔴This is the final active bill on our opposition list. (our testimony)

 
MONITORING BILLS OF NOTE
There was no movement this week on property tax reform bills (HB 1176, 1168, 1575). These proposals remain active and are expected to dominate conversations in the session’s closing weeks.

• Reminder: HB 1176 was the Governor's Bill
• Reminder: Last session, the main tax relief bill conference committee met for 14 times before coming to agreement.

 

RECALL
HB 1283 (Diagnostic Breast Exam Co-Pay) failed by a close vote. While well-intentioned, the projected $4M cost for 2025–27 and the potential precedent for mandated benefits raised concern.

• We opposed the bill based on its future fiscal impact.

Kudos to Senators Klein, Roers, and Thomas, who, while sympathetic to the issue, demonstrated leadership by considering the broader implications. That’s the kind of perspective we see in our Chamber Champions.  

BY THE NUMBERS

•  258 total bills tracked
• ✅ 13 support bills still in play
• ❌ 1 opposition bill remains (down from 10 at crossover)
• 17 legislative days remain (of the original 80)

Don’t miss it, June 5 for GNDC’s Legislative Report —join us to celebrate wins, unpack challenges, and recognize those who had the backs of North Dakota’s business community. This member-exclusive event is where we’ll break down the legislation that passed, what it means for your business, and how it may impact your bottom line. This is a virtual event, register to receive login information.