North Dakota Senate Bill SB2259

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 1/31/25
• Engrossed: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/18/25
• Report Pass: 3/20/25
• Enrolled: 3/26/25
• Passed: 3/31/25

Caption

AN ACT to repeal section 44-04-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the provision of blanks and records.

Summary

SB 2259 repeals section 44-04-16 of the North Dakota Century Code. The caption describes that section as relating to the provision of blanks and records, so the bill removes this specific statutory requirement from state law rather than creating a new program or regulatory scheme. Because the bill is a straight repeal, its effect is to eliminate the existing legal provision governing how certain blanks and records are provided under chapter 44-04. In practical terms, the bill changes state law by deleting one section from the Century Code and leaving any related procedures to other statutes, administrative practice, or local policy if applicable. The measure does not appear to impose new duties, fees, or enforcement mechanisms, but instead simplifies the code by removing an outdated or unnecessary provision.

Impact

The bill directly amends the North Dakota Century Code by repealing section 44-04-16, thereby removing that section from the state’s statutory framework. Any rights, obligations, or procedures that depended specifically on that section would no longer have that statutory basis after enactment, although related recordkeeping or public information requirements elsewhere in law would remain unaffected unless separately changed. The bill’s impact is therefore narrow but legally significant because it deletes an existing provision rather than revising it.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment appears broadly favorable and low-conflict. The Senate passed the bill unanimously on second reading, 46-0, indicating strong support in that chamber. The House also approved it by a substantial margin, 75-9, showing general agreement that the repeal was acceptable, though with some dissent. No committee transcripts are available, so the record suggests a largely routine, noncontroversial cleanup measure with limited opposition.

Contention

The main point of contention is not evident from the available materials, but the House vote of 75-9 shows that a small minority opposed the repeal. Without committee discussion, the reasons for opposition are not documented here. Possible concerns in a repeal bill of this kind would typically involve whether removing the section could affect access to records, administrative consistency, or existing procedures tied to the provision of forms or documents, but the available record does not specify any such arguments.