Author: Eric Bolin

West Fargo considering licenses for short term rental properties like AirBnB

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — West Fargo is considering rules for property owners on how operate short term rentals, like an AirBnB. The ordinance would require short term rental properties be the primary residence of the property owner, meaning they would have to live there for at least 6 months and 1 day each year. Owners would also need a…

Bill to protect 911 dispatchers, 211 and 988 operators discussed in committee

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a bill that would grant 911 dispatchers, operators working 211 information, and 988 suicide hotlines from lawsuits. Currently, North Dakota has no protections for 911 and other hotline operators. SB 2145 would not protect operators from lawsuits made due to gross negligence or misconduct. Similar efforts have been made…

North Dakota may offer counseling for jurors exposed to graphic images and testimony

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota jurors who see and hear graphic images and testimony as part of a trial may be offered counseling services. HB 1047 would offer those services to jurors and alternates. They would qualify for ten hours of counseling after the trial was over if the case they sat on had to deal with violent crimes…

Bill Would Reduce Penalties For Small Amounts of Marijuana in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A hearing is held on a bill that would lower penalties for marijuana possession. The bipartisan bill would lower the fine from $1,500 to $150 for those caught in possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana. It would also reduce the penalty from an infraction to a non-criminal citation. North Dakota States Attorneys and North…

Voters Decide 2025 Bond Referendum for West Fargo Public Schools

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Following the 2023 defeat of a $147 million referendum, voters in the West Fargo Public Schools district are voting again. Fourteen polling sites are open until 7 p.m. and there are three questions on the ballot. The first includes nearly $100 million for projects needed with the next five years including the completion of Heritage…

Resolution on ‘Kingship of Jesus Christ’ given Do-Not-Pass recommendation

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota legislators heard testimony Thursday on a concurrent resolution that would proclaim Jesus Christ’s kingship in North Dakota. The concurrent resolution says that “North Dakota acknowledge the Kingship of Jesus Christ over all the world in order for the state to receive the “blessings” of liberty, discipline, peace, and harmony. It was introduced by embattled Republican…

Legislators hear testimony on bill requiring intelligent design in science classes

BISMARCK, N.D. — Legislators heard testimony on the bill requiring the teaching of intelligent design in science classes in North Dakota schools. If passed, SB 2355 would require the teaching of intelligent design alongside evolution in science classes in the state. Intelligent design argues that life is too complex to have come from evolution. There were testimonies on both sides…

North Dakota Resolution declaring pornography a public health hazard gets Do-Pass recommendation

BISMARCK, N.D. — A senate resolution in North Dakota would declare pornography as a public health hazard. Testimony was heard during a legislative hearing on SCR 4017. Those who testified in support of the resolution consisted of members of religious organizations. Some of the reasons cited for declaring porn a public health hazard were that it creates an unreasonable body…

North Dakota Legislators consider bill allowing school districts to hire chaplains

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota legislators are considering a bill that would add chaplains to public schools in the state. HB 1456 would authorize $500,000 from the general fund to give to school districts for the purpose of paying for a chaplain position. The chaplain may also volunteer for the role. School districts would not be required to have a…