The North Dakota State Legislature convened on March 28, 2025, for a House Floor Session where several significant bills were discussed and voted upon. The session began with the introduction of Senate Bill 2395, which aims to create a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code concerning universal licensure and board operations. Representative Waterway, chair of the Industry, Business and Labor Committee, reported a recommendation for a due pass on the bill, which received a favorable vote of 12 in favor, 8 against, with no nays and 2 absent.

Senate Bill 2395 is a product of a legislative study conducted by the Department of Labor and Human Rights. The bill focuses on expediting the licensing process for out-of-state practitioners and revising continuing education requirements to reflect advancements in technology and practice. Key provisions include promoting interstate compacts, establishing a minimum threshold for licensing non-compact professions, and requiring boards to issue licenses within 10 days of a completed application. The bill also allows for temporary licenses to be approved by board staff for applicants without disciplinary issues and mandates virtual options for continuing education. The House ultimately passed Senate Bill 2395 with a final vote of 89 in favor and 2 against.

Following this, the House addressed Senate Bill 2035, which proposed amendments to the definitions of educational and publicly spirited organizations in relation to charitable gaming. The Education Committee recommended a unanimous do not pass due to a lack of cooperation among stakeholders and concerns about the bill's potential impact on the charitable gaming industry. Representative Heilman emphasized the importance of stakeholder input and the absence of a grandfather clause, which could adversely affect many charitable organizations. The House voted against Senate Bill 2035, resulting in a failure with 4 votes in favor and 80 against.

The session concluded with discussions on Senate Bill 2330, which aims to address human trafficking and exploitation through education in public and non-public schools. The Education Committee recommended amendments to the bill, allowing for community partnerships and local control over the implementation of educational programs. The committee highlighted the importance of tailoring programs to meet the specific needs of different communities. Senate Bill 2330 received a strong do pass recommendation with a vote of 14 in favor and none against, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing this critical issue.

Overall, the session showcased the legislature's focus on workforce development, public safety, and community engagement in education, with significant legislative actions taken on each of the discussed bills.