Bismarck, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed the remaining legislation from North Dakota’s 2025 session on Monday, finalizing a period marked by bipartisan cooperation, sweeping policy changes, and selective fiscal restraint.

In total, lawmakers passed 601 bills during the 69th Legislative Assembly, which convened on Jan. 7 and adjourned May 3. Of those, Armstrong signed 597 into law. He also exercised his line-item veto authority on seven provisions across six bills, a move he said was necessary to maintain responsible budgeting and safeguard the powers of the executive branch.

“From the start of this session, we struck a collaborative tone with the Legislature, and North Dakotans ultimately came out the winners,” Armstrong said in a statement. “With historic property tax relief, major infrastructure investments, and game-changing legislation to limit cellphone distractions in our schools, we’ve made real progress.”

The governor emphasized that his selective use of the veto was intended to reduce unnecessary spending and protect the legislative process. “Through limited use of my line-item veto authority, we’ve reduced spending, protected the integrity of the budgeting process, and preserved executive branch authority to ensure that state government remains efficient and transparent,” he added.

Among the session’s key legislative victories were:

* **Property tax relief**: Lawmakers passed measures aimed at easing the burden on homeowners across the state, marking one of the largest property tax reductions in North Dakota history.
* **Infrastructure investments**: The budget includes funding for major road improvements, water systems, and rural broadband expansion.
* **School cellphone restrictions**: New laws were enacted to curb cellphone use in classrooms, a measure aimed at improving focus and academic performance among students.

Armstrong also issued full vetoes on four bills, although specific details on those measures were not immediately disclosed.

Under North Dakota law, the governor has 15 business days to act on legislation delivered within the final three days of the session. Monday marked the deadline for those decisions.

The combination of broad legislative approval, targeted vetoes, and fiscal oversight reflects what the governor’s office has described as a productive and balanced session—one that is likely to shape state policy in significant ways heading into the next biennium.