The Minot City Council is set to evaluate potential reforms to the city’s longstanding cap on liquor licenses during its upcoming meeting on Monday. The current policy limits the number of available licenses based on population, a structure that some argue restricts economic growth and competition. Proposed changes include increasing the number of licenses or removing the cap entirely, aiming to provide more opportunities for new businesses and enhance consumer choice. However, existing license holders have expressed concerns that such changes could devalue their investments and saturate the market. The council’s decision will balance the interests of fostering business development with maintaining fair market conditions.
The North Dakota Senate narrowly upheld Governor Kelly Armstrong’s veto of Senate Bill 2160, which aimed to align the state employee health insurance plan with the federal Affordable Care Act. The override attempt failed by one vote, with a 31-15 outcome, falling short of the required 32 votes. Proponents of the bill argued it would modernize the plan by offering enhanced preventive care benefits and allowing co-pays to count toward out-of-pocket maximums. However, opponents, including Governor Armstrong, expressed concerns that the changes could lead to increased costs for employees, including the introduction of premiums, which are not currently charged. A fiscal analysis projected the plan would cost approximately $6.6 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle and over $25 million for the 2027-2029 biennium.
On May 1, 2025, the North Dakota House of Representatives reversed an earlier decision and passed House Bill 1298 with a 54–36 vote. The bill proposes increasing the interstate speed limit from 75 to 80 mph and introduces a new structure for calculating speeding fines. The revised fines include a minimum of $20 or $5 per mph over the limit on highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher, and $3 per mph over the limit in slower zones, with additional penalties for excessive speeding and violations in school and construction zones. The bill also allows for variable speed limits based on driving conditions and mandates a study on the state’s point system for driving violations. If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, the changes would take effect on August 1, 2025.
A recent KFF poll reveals that 76% of Americans, including 55% of Republicans, oppose significant federal funding cuts to Medicaid. The survey, conducted from April 8 to 15, 2025, highlights bipartisan resistance to proposed reductions in the state-federal health program for low-income individuals and those with disabilities. Notably, among self-identified “Make America Great Again” supporters, opinions are nearly split, with 51% favoring cuts and 49% opposing them. This public sentiment emerges as House Republicans prepare to introduce legislation potentially slashing hundreds of billions in Medicaid funding to offset the $4.5 trillion deficit impact of extending the 2017 tax law. Senate Republicans are closely monitoring these developments, with some expressing concerns about the potential effects on vulnerable populations and rural healthcare providers.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1144 into law, reinforcing the state’s stance on gender-specific facilities in K–12 public schools. The legislation prohibits all-gender bathrooms and mandates that multi-stall restrooms and shower rooms be designated exclusively for boys or girls. It also introduces enforcement measures, allowing parents to file complaints with school districts and, if unresolved, escalate them to the Attorney General’s Office. Schools found in violation may face fines up to $2,500 per incident. Additionally, the law requires educators to inform parents if a student identifies as transgender and prohibits mandates on using students’ preferred pronouns. Exemptions include accommodations for students with developmental disabilities and temporary facility reassignments for school-sponsored events. The law took immediate effect upon signing.
The North Dakota Senate voted 35–11 against Senate Bill 2093, which aimed to expand income tax exemptions to approximately 9,500 additional residents, at an estimated cost of $20 million for the 2025–2027 biennium. Originally intended to exempt law enforcement retirement benefits for surviving spouses, the bill was amended by the House to broaden tax relief. Proponents argued the measure would provide meaningful financial relief and move the state closer to eliminating income taxes. However, opponents, including Sen. Dean Rummel (R-Dickinson), contended that constituents prioritize property tax relief over income tax cuts and expressed concerns about the state’s economic stability amid fluctuating oil revenues and potential recession risks. The bill’s defeat also means that the proposed tax exemption for widows and widowers of retired law enforcement officers will not be implemented this session.
