STATE BUDGET

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. State agencies submit their budget requests to the Governor between July and October, and the Governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature in December. The legislature typically adopts a budget in April with the new biennium beginning in July.  The legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The North Dakota Senate has 47 members, serving four-year terms, and the North Dakota House of Representatives has 94 members, also serving four-year terms.  North Dakota has no regular legislative session in even-numbered years.  The House and Senate sit for only 80 days in odd-numbered years.

KEY RESOURCES

• North Dakota Legislature
• North Dakota Governor
• North Dakota Attorney General

2025 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

North Dakota implemented two bills targeting prior authorization. SB2076 modifies restrictions on prior authorization, removing age-based distinctions for certain medication classes like antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. SB2280 requires insurers to publish their prior authorization requirements, report prior authorization reports and have rejections reviewed by a medical specialist. The bill also prohibits prior authorization for emergency services.