HB 1459: AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 38-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to critical minerals and rare earth minerals and royalties; to amend and reenact sections 38-12-01 and 47-10-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definitions of critical minerals and rare earth minerals and descriptions and definitions of minerals in leases and conveyances; and to provide for retroactive application.
HB 1459 status: Introduced — Filed with Secretary Of State 05/06 (updated Jun 11, 2025).
What this bill does
Overall score
Bill summary
OfficialRelating to critical minerals and rare earth minerals and royalties; to amend and reenact sections 38‑12‑01 and 47‑10‑24 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definitions of critical minerals and rare earth minerals and descriptions and definitions of minerals in leases and conveyances; and to provide for r...
Key analysis
Impact analysis
Environment
Benefits
- May support domestic supply chain for transition minerals.
Risks
- No explicit environmental standards or protections mentioned.
Economy
Benefits
- Provides legal clarity for emerging critical mineral extraction.
- Potentially modernizes lease frameworks for the sector.
Risks
- Retroactive changes to lease definitions may disrupt existing financial agreements.
Society
Benefits
- Could increase royalty potential for landowners.
Risks
- Retroactive application creates legal uncertainty for current property owners.
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
lowlow
Analysis status
OpenStates summary
Retroactive property law changes often face constitutional challenges.
Analysis is based on a summary abstract rather than full bill text.
Where it stands
Introduced
CurrentFiled with Secretary Of State 05/06
Committee
UpcomingFloor
UpcomingGovernor
UpcomingEnacted
UpcomingHow it affects your district
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