Legislative Update: 23 Days Left - Max

With the legislative session entering its final stretch, GNDC continues to ensure that the voice of business is heard. While hearings are fewer, our focus remains sharp on the remaining bills in play. This week, we provided testimony on several key pieces of legislation and tracked movement on others critical to our priorities.

GNDC SUPPORT BILLS

• HB 1448 – Advanced Technology Grant Program
  • Creates a new grant program within the Department of Commerce to support early-stage R&D of advanced technology products and processes.
  • Goal: Build new industry sectors and drive innovation in North Dakota.
  • We were proud to see two of our members showcase how it would have benefitted their operations and how it can enhance ND. (Thanks Thread & Pavewise)

 

• HB 1479 – ND Constitution Day
  • Establishes October 1st as an annual day to recognize and encourage understanding of the North Dakota Constitution.
  • Promotes civic education and awareness of state governance.
  • Our organization is supporting this with events like National Civics Bee® North Dakota State Finals with premier sponsor U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

• HCR 3003 – Constitutional Amendment Threshold
  • Proposes increasing the threshold to amend the state constitution from a simple majority to 60%.
  • GNDC supports this effort to preserve the constitution’s integrity and limit frequent or reactionary changes.

GNDC OPPOSITION BILLS

• HB 1584 – PBM Regulation & ERISA Conflict
  • While aimed at regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), the bill also impacts self-funded insurance plans, which are protected under federal ERISA law.
  • Federal law generally prohibits state interference in ERISA plans—raising concerns of legal conflict and increased healthcare costs.
  • The bill was amended in the Senate and received a Do Pass recommendation.
  • Read our testimony

 

• HB 1259 – Daylight Saving Time
  • Originally intended to eliminate daylight saving time and mandate standard time statewide
  • It has been amended to implement permanent daylight saving time in ND—but only if:
    • Congress authorizes year-round DST, and
    • MN, MT, and SD also adopt year-round DST.
    • GNDC continues to oppose due to negative implications for business coordination, especially across borders.

 

• HB 1283 – Diagnostic Breast Exam Mandate
  • Eliminates copay/cost-share for diagnostic breast exams - initially to PERS users
  • While well-intentioned, it sets a precedent for healthcare mandates that could increase premiums, especially in the private sector.
  • Passed the Senate (26-19-2) and was re-referred to Appropriations.
  • Read our testimony

RECALL
We were delighted to see this bill get passed into law - see our testimony here. Our support did not come from advancing one project but the creation of a uniform and predictable system for critical infrastructure projects.

• HB 1258 – Transmission Siting
  • Reforms the siting process for transmission lines to reside with the Public Service Commission (PSC).
  • Passed the Senate (27-18-2)

CURRENT BILL COUNT... BY THE NUMBERS

• 258 total bills tracked
• 18 support bills remaining to get over the finish line
• 3 opposition bills remain active (at crossover we had 10)
• 23 total days left in to be allowed (we started with 80)

Join us for GNDC’s Legislative Report, a member-exclusive event on June 5 that will break down the bills that passed and what they mean for your business. We’ll cover the legislation that supports your operations—and the ones that could impact your bottom line.
Plus, we’ll reveal our Chamber Champions list, recognizing the legislators who stood up for North Dakota’s business climate this session.