Senate Bill 2395 passed the North Dakota Senate 45-1 with one member absent after senators adopted an amendment clarifying terms and exemptions for certain offices.

The bill creates a new chapter in Title 43 NDCC to establish a consistent set of licensure processes across the state’s professional boards, where reasonably possible. Sponsor Senator Wabamaw told colleagues the change aims to reduce “red tape” and improve workforce access by creating symmetry in board operations.

Among the amendment’s edits: the secretary of state is exempted where licensing there differs in scope; the Supreme Court and the Board of Law Examiners are addressed with specific language for background checks and examination handling; interstate mobility language was added; and a 10-day licensure timeline for certain actions was included.

Senator Wabamaw said multiple boards cooperated during drafting and that the workforce development committee voted unanimously for a do-pass recommendation. The engrossed bill text creates and enacts a new chapter to Title 43, relating to universal licensure and board operations.

The clerk recorded final Senate passage as 45 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent not voting; the bill is passed.