All Roll Calls
Yes: 159 • No: 23
North DakotaSB 23822025 Regular SessionSenate
AN ACT to create and enact a new chapter to title 28 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to vexatious litigation; and to declare an emergency.
Sponsored By: Jonathan Sickler (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Abusive filers face limits and costs
North Dakota courts must require prior court approval for filings by people found to be vexatious litigants. The court must find that the person more likely than not meets at least one test: at least two cases involving vexatious conduct finally decided against them within seven years; retrying a final decision or settled issues against the same party; repeatedly filing meritless papers, seeking unnecessary discovery, or using frivolous or burdensome tactics; or a prior vexatious-litigant finding by a state or federal court of record. Vexatious conduct includes harassment, malicious injury, claims without legal support or a good-faith argument to change the law, delay-only tactics, or conduct that obstructs justice or unacceptably burdens court resources. The order requires approval before new cases or papers in existing cases can be filed. It also makes the filer pay all costs of the vexatious litigation. The opposing party receives reasonable attorney fees and costs, including the cost of seeking the order. The law covers civil and disciplinary proceedings, small claims, agency appeals, district court reviews of referee orders, and North Dakota Supreme Court appeals—not criminal cases. Clerks must send orders to the state court administrator and each federal district court in North Dakota. The administrator maintains a list of people subject to these orders. Orders in effect under Supreme Court rules before August 1, 2025, remain in force. The Supreme Court can adopt implementing rules. The act is an emergency measure.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jonathan Sickler
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Mike Lefor
Republican • House
David Hogue
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/25/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 42 nays 2, Emergency clause carried
Yes: 42 • No: 2
House vote • 3/20/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 72 nays 21
Yes: 72 • No: 21
Senate vote • 2/18/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 0
Yes: 45 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 03/31
4/1/2025HouseSigned by Governor 03/28
3/31/2025SenateSent to Governor
3/27/2025SenateSigned by President
3/27/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
3/27/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 42 nays 2, Emergency clause carried
3/25/2025SenateConcurred
3/25/2025SenateReturned to Senate (12)
3/21/2025SenateEmergency clause carried
3/20/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 72 nays 21
3/20/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
3/19/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 6 1
3/18/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 02:46
3/17/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:00
3/5/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
2/21/2025HouseReceived from Senate
2/19/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 0
2/18/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/13/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 6 0 1
2/12/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 10:00
2/11/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
1/27/2025Senate
Bill Text
Adopted by the Senate Judiciary Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with House Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Klemin
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