Week 6 Legislative Update: Legal Environment Theme

It's official - this is a record breaking amount of bills this session and the topics that GNDC is watching crosses into all areas of business. No joke, it's heavy.
 
Bill Count: 1072

• House count: 648
• Senate count: 424

Active bills: 929 (141 have failed/withdrawn)
GNDC tracking: 249 (roughly 24% of the total bills)
Days left in the session: 57 (max)
Bills signed into law/filed with Sec of State: 2 (Concurrent resolutions - 1 related to NDSU and the other related to legislative support)
 
 
It's hard to tell the story of all the bills that we are juggling because the swath is wide. Our partners in the trade industry are there in the trenches with us when the issues touch their audience but more times than not, we see ourselves solo at the stand and getting loud and lonely on the issues that weaken our business climate. Maybe it's time to showcase some commonalities?
 
Business Climate Bills - SOME OF THE WORK WE ENGAGED IN:

The common theme across these bills is their impact on the business and legal environment in North Dakota:

1. Legal and financial risks for businesses
2. Transparency and regulatory compliance
3. Workforce and employer protections

Overall, our stance taken on these bills place a priority on limiting costs, reducing legal liabilities, and maintaining a pro-business climate.
 
HB 1349: Increase in Medical Malpractice Noneconomic Damages

• OPPOSE
• Would increase the cap on medical malpractice noneconomic damages by 500%, making North Dakota one of the highest in the nation. This could have led to higher healthcare costs for employers. 
• Result: DEFEATED, 30 to 61.

HB 1372: Third Party Litigation Financing (TPLF)

• SUPPORT
• TPLF allows third-party funders to invest in lawsuits in exchange for a share of any settlement or court award. This can drive up litigation costs when investors influence settlements. HB 1372 promotes transparency by requiring disclosure when TPLF is used. 

HB 1391: New Protected Class

• OPPOSE
• Would create a new protected employee classification, based on health status, which would expose employers to increased legal liability. 

SB 2314: Foreign Countries of Concern

• OPPOSE
• Would require criminal penalties for individuals and businesses found in violation, which could lead to unintended legal consequences for well-meaning businesses. 

SB 2308: Boards & Commissions Reduction

• SUPPORT
• The goal of this bill is to decrease the number of Governor appointed Boards & Commissions. GNDC asked for an amendment that keeps the current WSI Board appointment policy in place. 

THIS WAS PART 1, Check out PART 2 here.