Updated on 02.21.25
Public Policy updates from The Chamber
By Cale Dunwoody, Vice President of Public Policy, The Chamber
Cale Dunwoody, The Chamber, and Gabe Ostler, KVRR, discussing FMWF Chamber policy briefings and legislation at the North Dakota Capitol during Chamber Day at the Capitol. Feb. 11, 2025.
The following are numerous bills that The Chamber submitted testimony on during the 2025 legislative sessions in Minnesota and North Dakota. These efforts support or oppose key legislation impacting the business climate, workforce development, child care and more. Below are the bills, The Chamber's stance, and why they matter to our future.
NORTH DAKOTA
PAST AND PRESENT | Bills The Chamber has taken a stance on
Support
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of various divisions of the department of health and human services; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a report.
Why It Matters: Supporting this bill will help address the childcare shortage, providing crucial economic assistance to working families and employers. It demonstrates the state’s commitment to investing in early childhood programs to increase access to quality care.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of an office of entrepreneurship; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.
Why it matters: A statewide entrepreneurship ecosystem is vital for the continued growth of North Dakota’s economy. This bill will foster innovation, drive economic diversity and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities across the state.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation to the state board of higher education for workforce education innovation funds.
Why It Matters: Critical investments into this program will ensure that North Dakota’s educational institutions are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the workforce, aligning career pathways with industry demand to create a robust talent pipeline.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of the North Dakota student teacher scholarship program; and to provide an appropriation.
Why it matters: North Dakota schools are in need of qualified educators to fill workforce shortages and build a robust education system. In the 2023-2024 school year, all content areas were declared critical shortage zones, meaning there are too few qualified education professionals to fill positions. While enrollment in North Dakota schools has increased, the number of teachers has remained stagnant. From fall 2011 to fall 2021, student enrollment increased by 21%, more than any other state. In comparison, the number of teaching degrees earned decreased by 19.5% between 2012 and 2020 (National Center for Education Statistics). An increase in demand for education services and a decrease in supply of educators stands to create a workforce shortage in the education sector.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new chapter to title 54 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of the North Dakota Ireland Trade Commission; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Why it matters: The establishment of the North Dakota Ireland Trade Commission offers us the opportunity to expand relationships between North Dakota and trusted allies. This allows our state to enhance trade partnerships, increase academic exchanges and diversity economic interests.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation to the agriculture commissioner for a county fair resiliency grant program.
Why it matters: The Red River Valley Fair is an essential part of the Red River Valley region, adding to the economic vitality and offering entertainment and agricultural educational opportunities for our community. We understand the great importance of fairgrounds across North Dakota and their impact on surrounding communities.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 34-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an apprenticeship grant program; and to provide an appropriation.
Why It Matters: This bill supports apprenticeships by providing grant dollars to cover associated costs, helping to develop a skilled workforce pipeline that is essential to the state’s economic growth.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a research technology park fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide a transfer; and to provide a report.
Why it matters: Investment into the North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park represents a transformative opportunity for our state. This innovative solution creates dynamic pathways for economic growth that will significantly bolster key industries and develop the next generation of talent.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the North Dakota university system; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.
Why it matters: Since its inception in 2013, the Challenge Grant Program has amplified donors’ gifts allowing millions in scholarships for students, enhancing the workforce of North Dakota. With the program's 2-to-1 matching investment from individual and corporate benefactors, higher education institutions can continue to enhance their ability to recruit and retain students, cultivating a robust pipeline of qualified professionals essential for our state’s economic growth.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new subsection to section 15-10-38.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to eligibility for the skilled workforce student loan repayment program; and to amend and reenact subsection 4 of section 15-10-38.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to eligibility for the skilled workforce scholarship program.
Why It Matters: By offering loan repayment assistance to healthcare workers, this bill helps attract and retain skilled professionals in North Dakota, ensuring quality care for our communities while fostering a strong workforce.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a housing for opportunity, mobility, and empowerment program; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.
Why It Matters: This program provides resources to develop affordable and long-term housing solutions in our communities. It ensures that North Dakota is prepared to meet growing housing demands, supporting workforce retention and community growth.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation to the department of transportation for fixed route city and paratransit transportation services grants; and to provide for a legislative management study.
Why It Matters: Funding transportation services is crucial for connecting North Dakotans to educational, employment, healthcare and community opportunities. Reliable transportation infrastructure supports economic growth and accessibility for all residents.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 57-38 and new subdivision to subsection 7 of section 57-38-30.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an income tax credit for child care contributions provided by qualified employers; and to provide an effective date.
Why It Matters: This income tax credit for employer-supported child care will reduce financial burdens for working families and businesses, making child care more accessible and affordable while addressing the workforce shortage.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation to the housing finance agency and the department of public instruction; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a legislative management study.
Why it matters: Many regions across North Dakota face significant housing challenges, including lack of income-aligned housing and a diverse housing stock. These challenges directly correlate to our state’s workforce challenges. Access to diverse, affordable housing stock is a pivotal aspect to addressing our state’s workforce environment – as we continue efforts to further attract and retain individuals, we must ensure we have adequate long-term housing for them and their families. In a recent Fargo-Moorhead Regional housing study, it is estimated that by 2032 Fargo, West Fargo and Horace will need an additional 11,800 units to meet the growth of our region. Additionally, the study states that while construction of these units is feasible based on existing levels of production, the cost of these new homes will be out of reach for most residents. In 2022, new construction homes were sold or appraised on average at $425K and less than 30% of the region’s residents can afford homes at these prices. As North Dakota continues to grow, we must make strategic public-private investments to address housing shortages in urban and rural communities across the state.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new subsection to section 15-10-38.4, a new subsection to section 15-62.4-03, a new section to chapter 15-62.4, and a new subsection to section 15-62.5-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to student financial assistance grants, dual-credit tuition scholarships, and the scholars program; to amend and reenact sections 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, and 15.1-21-02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship programs, Native American scholarships, and the North Dakota scholarship; and to provide an appropriation.
Why it matters: Our members continue to express concerns about the availability of high-quality, skilled workers. While the workforce gap is narrowing across the United States, North Dakota continues to face some of the most severe workforce challenges. According to the U.S. Chamber, North Dakota has only about 30 available workers for every 100 open jobs, significantly more critical than the national average of 83 available workers per 100 jobs. This highlights the urgent need for strategies to attract, retain, develop, and align workers with in-demand jobs.
A bill for an act to provide an appropriation to the Department of Veterans' Affairs for a Veterans' National Cemetery grant; and to authorize a line of credit.
Why it matters: Founded in 2019, the Fargo National Cemetery has become a cherished part of the local community, serving as a space to honor service members and support their families and loved ones. The cemetery has continued to grow since it was established, now spanning 35 acres, offering more space for connection, remembrance, and community. This meaningful addition to our state warrants the creation of a structure that can provide shelter for families, veterans, and Honor Guard members during bouts of unsuitable weather, as well as house amenities to ensure those visiting the cemetery receive a positive experience. The benefits this facility will bring to the community cannot be overstated. It will bring safety, security, and a space in which families can properly honor their loved ones and those who served. O
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 50-11.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the establishment of a child care workforce recruitment and retention program.
Why it matters: Due to the unique nature of the industry, for child care providers to increase their capacity for slots they must also increase staff. Many providers face the challenge of long wait lists and difficulty recruiting and retaining their workforce. Programs such as this would alleviate a portion of the cost burden of opening additional slots, especially increasing capacity for infants and toddlers, where ratios require more staff per child. By offering additional incentives and programs for child care, the state can provide support to lower costs and expand access for North Dakota families. The passage of this bill offers additional support to North Dakota’s working families, demonstrating the state’s commitment to investing in our future. Addressing North Dakota’s child care shortage is a vital part of solving the workforce issue.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the adoption of the interstate compact for school psychologists.
Why it matters: Adoption of the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists (ICSP) offers North Dakota opportunities for economic and workforce development. The ICSP offers support to military spouses. North Dakotan membership facilitates a smoother transition for these professionals, allowing licensed school psychologists from other compact states to practice in our schools. Easing this process increases our military friendliness and supports our workforce.
The proposed Interstate Compact will also allow specialist or doctoral-level school psychologists licensed in North Dakota to practice in other compact member states and vice versa. This means students will have access to a high level of care and a greater number of providers – establishing a safe and supportive learning environment which is critical to their growth and development.
Oppose
Why It Matters: This bill proposes a restriction on businesses, requiring them to close on Sundays. If passed, it would limit the flexibility of businesses, especially in retail and service sectors, and impact the economic vitality of communities that rely on weekend trade.
Why It Matters: While we recognize the desire to remove Day Light Savings time, this matter should be handled uniformly at the Federal level. Our region is a multi-city, bi-state, metropolitan area operating as one region, with thousands of individuals and businesses conducting commerce on either side of the Red River, every day. With multiple states and providences surrounding North Dakota – this bill would erect burdensome delays, increased administrative costs, mass confusion, and potential economic loss.
A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 37-01 of the North Dakota Century Code; relating to the deployment of the North Dakota national guard; and to declare an emergency.
Why It Matters: This bill proposes to restrict the deployment of the National Guard. While the intent to protect the Guard is important, this bill could create unintended consequences by reducing the state's flexibility to respond to emergency situations. The National Guard plays a crucial role in supporting local communities during natural disasters, public health emergencies and other critical events.Â
A bill for an act to amend and reenact section 16.1-10-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to using public services or property for a political purpose.
Why It Matters: If passed, this bill could significantly restrict the ability of community organizations to partner with state and local governments, impeding the development and expansion of initiatives that benefit North Dakota communities.
A bill for an act to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 54-35-26 and section 57-40.2-03.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to evaluation of economic development tax incentives and the use tax exemption for raw materials, single-use product contact systems, and reagents used for biologic manufacturing; to repeal section 57-39.2-04.19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the sales tax exemption for raw materials, single-use product contact systems, and reagents used for biologic manufacturing; and to provide an effective date
Why It Matters: Repealing this exemption would put North Dakota at a competitive disadvantage, hindering the growth of the biologic manufacturing sector and making the region less attractive to new and existing businesses.
SB 2314: A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the prohibition of, investigation of, and penalty for approving a development agreement in the state for a foreign adversary; to amend and reenact sections 11-11-70 and 40-05-26 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the investigation of and penalty for approving a development agreement in the state for a foreign adversary; and to provide a penalty.
SB 2337: A bill for an act to amend and reenact sections 11-11-70, 40-05-26, 47-01-09, and 47-10.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers of a board of county commissioners, a board of city commissioners, and a city council regarding development by a foreign country of concern or foreign organization of concern, prohibiting ownership of real property by a foreign country of concern or a foreign organization of concern, and required filings for foreign persons investing in agricultural lands; to repeal section 47-10.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to required filings for foreign persons investing in agricultural lands; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; to provide a contingent effective date; and to provide an expiration date
SB 2361: A bill for an act to amend and reenact sections 11-11-70, 40-05-26, and 47-01-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to ownership of land and development projects by a foreign adversary; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Why It Matters: While national security is a priority, these bills may unintentionally harm North Dakota’s business environment by placing burdens on businesses operating in good faith. We oppose these bills as written, as they could deter economic development and international investment in the state.
SB 2314: Submitted testimony | More bill information
SB 2337: Submitted testimony | More bill information
SB 2361: Submitted testimony | More bill information
FUTURE | Bills The Chamber plans to engage with
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