All Roll Calls
Yes: 169 • No: 62
North DakotaSB 21602025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 54-52.1-01, 54-52.1-02, and 54-52.1-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to health insurance benefits coverage provided by the uniform group insurance program; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a statement of legislative intent; and to provide an effective date.
Sponsored By: Kyle Davison (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher premiums for non-Medicare retirees
Beginning January 1, 2026, non-Medicare retirees pay higher premiums set by law. A retiree single plan equals 150% of the active single rate. A two-person family equals 2.0 times the retiree single (3.0 times the active single). A family of three or more equals 2.5 times the retiree single (3.75 times the active single). These rates do not apply to employees who first retired after July 1, 2015 and were not Medicare-eligible at retirement.
More retiree enrollment windows and choices
Beginning January 1, 2026, retirees tied to a participating local plan get extra times to enroll without meeting the usual minimums. You can elect coverage at age 65, when your spouse turns 65, when you receive a benefit, when your employer joins and you were in the old plan, or when your spouse stops working. The board may also offer another plan choice for retirees who are not on Medicare, as long as it does not raise the implicit subsidy under GASB rules. The board may hold an initial open enrollment for this option, then follow regular enrollment rules. This extra option does not apply to employees who first retired after July 1, 2015 and were not Medicare-eligible at retirement.
Local governments can join state health plan
Starting January 1, 2026, if eligible under federal law, cities, counties, and other political subdivisions can choose to let their permanent employees join the state health plan. Participation must meet minimum rules set by the board. If a local government joins, it must stay at least 60 months or repay any program costs that exceeded income for its employees, unless later law makes participation improper. The Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and certain district health units must participate on the same terms and premiums as state agencies.
Clearer rules on covered plans and temporary workers
Beginning January 1, 2026, the law clarifies what counts as health insurance under the state program. It includes certain large-employer nongrandfathered plans that meet federal rules and the uniform group’s grandfathered PPO. The law also defines “temporary employee” as a government worker not in an approved, regularly funded position. These definitions guide who is covered and how plans are treated.
Retirees must pay premiums directly
Beginning January 1, 2026, retirees and surviving spouses who enroll through a political subdivision must pay their premiums directly to the board. The board can require proof that you accepted a retirement allowance from an eligible plan other than the public employees retirement system.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kyle Davison
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Glenn Bosch
Republican • House
Gregory Stemen
Republican • House
Brad Bekkedahl
Republican • Senate
Ronald Sorvaag
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/1/2025
Veto sustained, yeas 31 nays 15
Yes: 31 • No: 15
Senate vote • 4/21/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 39 nays 8
Yes: 39 • No: 8
House vote • 4/16/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 55 nays 37
Yes: 55 • No: 37
Senate vote • 2/25/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 44 nays 2
Yes: 44 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 05/01
5/1/2025SenateVeto sustained, yeas 31 nays 15
5/1/2025SenateConsideration of Governor's veto
5/1/2025SenateVetoed by Governor 04/28
4/29/2025SenateSent to Governor
4/23/2025SenateSigned by President
4/23/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
4/23/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 39 nays 8
4/21/2025SenateConcurred
4/21/2025SenateReturned to Senate (12)
4/16/2025SenateSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 55 nays 37
4/16/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
4/16/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 15 7 1
4/15/2025HouseRereferred to Appropriations
4/9/2025HouseReported back, do pass 10 3 1
4/9/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 02:45
4/8/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 09:30
4/8/2025HouseRereferred to Industry, Business and Labor
4/7/2025HouseReported back, do not pass, placed on calendar 7 4 3
4/4/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:45
3/18/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 03:30
3/17/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Industry, Business and Labor Committee
3/7/2025HouseReceived from Senate
2/25/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 44 nays 2
2/25/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/25/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with House Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Davison
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