At a glance: How the Senate voted on bills considered in the special session

The North Dakota Senate completed business in a governor‑called special session on Jan. 27 and recorded final action on a package of House bills and a concurrent resolution. Major outcomes included:

House Bill 16-21 — Presidential physical fitness test: Passed (final tally 43 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent). The engrossed bill revises North Dakota Century Code provisions requiring the presidential physical fitness test in school physical education and adjusts the effective date to Aug. 1, 2027. (Passage recorded in the morning session.)

House Bill 16-22 — Physician assistant licensure compact: Passed (46 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). The bill joins North Dakota to a multistate compact for physician assistants to ease licensure portability and support rural workforce needs, as described by Senator Lee.

House Bill 16-25 — Sale proceeds for Ray Richards Golf Course and local road project: Passed (46 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). The bill authorizes the sale of about 6.5 acres of the Ray Richards Golf Course adjacent to a Grand Forks road and railroad project; federal funds (~$30 million) are part of the transportation funding package and University of North Dakota proceeds would be applied to irrigation and capital improvements.

House Bill 16-26 — Primary residence credit timing: Passed (40 ayes, 6 nays, 1 absent). The bill clarifies how the primary residence credit is applied relative to early‑payment discounts so homeowners receive the full $1,600 benefit.

House Concurrent Resolution 3,038 — YMCA recognition: Passed by voice vote. The resolution congratulates the YMCA on its long history and service in North Dakota communities.

House Bill 16-23 — Rural Health Transformation appropriation: Passed (46 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). The Senate approved appropriation and program mechanics to deploy federal Rural Health Transformation grant funds; sponsor remarks described a $397 million appropriation and related loan and reporting mechanisms.

House Bill 16-24 — Universal free school meals: Failed (22 ayes, 24 nays, 1 absent). After extended floor debate on cost, constitutional implications and implementation, the bill did not receive final passage in the Senate; proponents may continue a ballot initiative effort.

The Senate adjourned sine die after appointing committees to notify the House and governor. Leaders said the governor will sign approved bills shortly after adjournment, at which point special-session effective dates will apply where specified.