North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1441

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  
Report DNP
2/5/25  
Engrossed
2/10/25  
Refer
2/13/25  

Caption

The definition of United States central bank digital currency.

Impact

The proposed changes will amend the North Dakota Century Code by introducing new definitions regarding specie and affirming its status as legal tender for debts and transactions within the state. Inclusion of specie as legal tender may encourage its acceptance among local businesses and citizens, thus aiming to stimulate economic activities centered on these forms of currency. Conversely, the prohibition of CBDCs from being categorized as legal tender attempts to safeguard the traditional monetary systems against the increasing influence of digital and potentially state-controlled currencies.

Summary

House Bill 1441 aims to legislate the status of specie such as gold and silver as legal tender in North Dakota, while explicitly defining and excluding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) from being considered legal tender. The bill clarifies that transactions involving specie legal tender will not incur any tax liabilities, thereby incentivizing its use as a medium of exchange. By providing legal standing to specie as a form of currency, this bill seeks to revive interest in historical forms of money, which supporters argue can diversify monetary options for citizens.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1441 is somewhat polarized. Proponents, often aligned with libertarian principles, view this bill as a positive move towards financial autonomy and a rejection of digital currency systems that they see as potentially overreaching. On the other hand, critics express concerns regarding the practicality and implications of reviving specie currency as a standard of trade in modern economic contexts, emphasizing that it may not address the needs of the current economy, and could complicate fiscal administration.

Contention

One of the contentions raised during discussions of HB 1441 revolves around the feasibility of reintroducing specie currency in everyday transactions. Opponents question the practicality of using gold and silver in a digital and fast-paced economy, and whether this move might isolate North Dakota from broader economic frameworks favoring digital currencies. Additionally, the tension between traditional banking solutions and alternative forms of currency is a key point of debate that underlines this legislative venture.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB1095

Central bank digital currency; ban

ND SB1432

Central bank digital currency; ban

ND H3304

Banning Central Bank Digital Currency

ND H3442

Central Bank Digital Currency ban

ND HF3253

Central bank digital currency defined and definition of money revised for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code.

ND HB557

Central Bank Digital Currency; prohibit governmental entities from using.

ND HB551

Central bank digital currency; prohibit governmental entities from using.

ND HB5133

Financial institutions: banking practices; use of central bank digital currency; prohibit. Creates new act.

ND SB47

To Amend The Uniform Commercial Code; To Define "central Bank Digital Currency" Under The Uniform Commercial Code; To Modify The Uniform Commercial Code Definitions; And To Modify The Arkansas Banking Code Of 1997.

ND SB133

To Amend The Uniform Commercial Code; To Define "central Bank Digital Currency" Under The Uniform Commercial Code; And To Modify The Uniform Commercial Code Definitions Of "money" And "deposit Account".

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.