Legislative Update: 33 Days Left

As we enter the second period of the 80-day legislative session, GNDC is closely monitoring the progression and the conversations. Out of the bills still active, we have identified 10 we strongly oppose and 26 we support as priorities to advance. Our work continues as we analyze government agency appropriations, ensuring that legislative actions remain comprehensive and practical for our membership.

OPPOSITION BILLS THAT WERE WORKED THIS WEEK

• Healthcare Mandates
  • HB 1283: Diagnostic Breast Exams
  • HB 1114: Insulin (our testimony)
• These healthcare mandates are projected to cost the state $5 million in the coming biennium. We oppose mandates due to their impact on the private insurance market, as 77% of North Dakotans rely on employer-provided health insurance. Rising costs force difficult decisions for businesses.

 

• HB 1391: New Protected Class (our testimony)
  • This bill would create a new protected employee classification based on health status, increasing legal risks for employers.

 

• HB 1291: Prohibiting Employment of Unauthorized Workers
  • Initially, this bill included harsh penalties and extreme fines, making it a major concern.
  • It has since been amended to a study, but we still hate it due to the broader implications for federal and state policy balance.

BILLS WE SUPPORT THAT WERE WORKED THIS WEEK
Workforce & Education Initiatives

• SB 2239: Apprenticeship Grant Program (our testimony)
• HB 1220: High-Demand Occupations Accelerated Degree

Energy & Economic Growth

• HB 1279: Extension of Coal Conversion Tax Exemption 
• HB 1258: Energy Transmission Siting (our testimony)

Healthcare Mandate Study

• SB 2249: Study of Mandates
  • Originally proposed as a new healthcare mandate, this bill has been revised into a study to evaluate all existing mandates. This study will assess medical necessity, costs, and impacts on premium payers, a critical step in understanding the burden on businesses and consumers.
  • Status: Passed the House, awaiting the Governor’s signature.

AGENCY BUDGETS THAT WE WATCHED

• SB 2014: Industrial Commission – area of interest: Housing Incentive Fund
• SB 2018: Department of Commerce – area of interest: Workforce & Economic Development
• SB 2019: Department of Career and Technical Education – area of interest: Career Development & Workforce Readiness

RECALL
Here’s an update on action from a bill that we’ve previously mentioned.

SB 2282: Employer Childcare Tax Credit 

• Status: Passed the House - second chamber! (72-12). 
• This has been a darling bill of ours. We liked it's version even more in the House as it raised the tax credit for employers who provide contributions to employers from 30% to 50%.
• Next Steps: Due to the change, it will go to conference committee to have the differences worked out before it can head to the governor.

Countdown to Session Close: 33 Days Remaining