Politics / Elections

Bill establishes committee to decide if North Dakota will enforce federal laws

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has approved a bill that could mean the state would not have to enforce federal laws it doesn’t agree with. The measure sets up a committee to review the federal laws in question, and then make a recommendation to the full Legislature on whether those laws will be followed or not. Opponents…

Bill would exempt draft redistricting maps from ND open records laws

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – An advocacy group wants North Dakota lawmakers to make the legislature’s redistricting process “open and accessible” to everyone. “North Dakota Voters First” is opposing a bill that would exempt draft versions of redistricting maps from state open records laws. Spokesperson Ellen Chaffee says the bill keeps early versions of legislative maps secret. She says that’s unacceptable…

Proposed bill ensures job security for laid off Minnesota workers

"The bill will help maintain established employer-employee relationships which are critical to the speed of the overall economic recovery."

MINNESOTA (KVRR) – As the pandemic uproots many people out of their jobs, fellow Minnesotans are speaking out for new legislation that will help hospitality and service sector workers impacted after losing their jobs. As state restrictions ease up and more businesses open, laid off workers are worried they’ll be out of jobs to competing applicants. Minnesota House Democrats are…

Moorhead City Council Member Shelly Carlson appointed mayor

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – After Mayor Johnathan Judd resigned after accepting a 7th Judicial District judgeship, the Moorhead City Council unanimously elected Council Member Shelly Carlson mayor at a council meeting Monday. The city says citizens will vote on a new mayor in November of 2022. The city will appoint someone from Moorhead’s second ward to serve as a council…

North Dakota House okays bill that cuts early voting to 9 days

Early voting in FargoBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – A bill that limits early voting dates to 9 days before Election Day has been approved in the North Dakota House. Early voting is currently allowed up to 15 days before an election. Grand Forks Republican Representative Steve Vetter carried the bill on the House floor. “Although we want early voting, we don’t…

Hoeven wants Energy Secretary nominee to support ND commodities if confirmed

By: Amanda Rooker WASHINGTON – The Senate will move forward with a vote on Energy Secretary nominee Jennifer Granholm. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee approved her nomination in a 13-4 vote. Senator John Hoeven, who sits on the committee, pressed Granholm to support North Dakota’s energy industry if confirmed. “We’ve got to keep building our energy resources. And…

House committee turns ‘Spaghettios Bill’ into meal expense study

BISMARCK, N.D. – A proposal to reimburse North Dakota lawmakers for meals beyond their per diem payments could be included in a longer-term study of overall expense reimbursements. Republican Rep. Keith Kempenich introduced a bill Thursday that would reimburse state lawmakers from outside Bismarck for meals on days when they’re in session. A legislative estimate says the bill, called the…

Hoeven & Armstrong discuss importance of Keystone XL after President stopped it

By: Amanda Rooker WASHINGTON (KVRR) – Congress took new action on the Keystone XL Pipeline this week. Two new bills aim to revive the project’s construction. During his first day in office, President Joe Biden put a stop to the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline. At the Capitol, several North Dakota lawmakers say a presidential permit is not required and introduced…