Did you know…
The North Dakota Legislature reconvened last week after its mid-session break better known as “crossover.” House bills are now being considered by the Senate and Senate bills by the House. The House and Senate heard a number of employment related bills in the days leading up to the February 24 deadline to send bills across the aisle to the other chamber.
Stealing the spotlight was HB 1323. If signed into law, the bill would prohibit government issued mask mandates, as well as requiring use of a face mask, shield, or covering as a condition for entry, education, employment, or services. The controversial bill passed by a narrow margin of 50-44.
The House and Senate also considered bills providing civil immunity to businesses and school districts from COVID-19 related lawsuits. The House passed HB 1175, which would provide civil immunity to businesses, and the Senate passed SB 2278, which would provide civil immunity to public schools, public school districts, and their employees. Both bills passed by wide margins in their respective chambers.
Bills relating to paid family and medical leave were sent to the Senate after easily passing the House. House Bill 1398 would prohibit a political subdivision from enacting a paid family leave program that exceeds the requirements under state or federal law. House Bill 1441 was a bi-partisan bill proposing the establishment of a state family and medical leave program, which was amended and converted into an interim legislative study on the financial impact of implementing a state-facilitated paid family and medical leave program that builds on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
Finally, the House defeated a Democratic proposal to increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027.
For more information, contact your Vogel Law Firm employment law team. Check back for additional updates throughout the North Dakota legislative session.
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