North Dakota Lawmakers Discard Motion For Sunday Blue Laws

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota lawmakers are debating whether to move forward with a bill to have businesses close on Sunday.

The decision was 10 to 4 to not move forward with the bill.

Representatives from The Chamber of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo and other areas believed it needed to be amended.

The Sunday closing law or Blue Laws would have all retail stores be closed on Sundays from midnight to noon or face a penalty.

People against the bill are concerned it would hurt business owners if they cannot have employees work during the weekend.

“The employer can’t do anything. And if they say no you’re working then he or she can face up to a thousand dollar fine. And we’re going to tie the hands of that employer who has a difficult time to begin with to get people to work on Saturday and Sunday? And we’re saying you need to go to church. Well how’s that going to play out?” said Representative Austen Schauer, West Fargo District 13.

The Blue Laws were repealed in 2019.