lawmakers Archives - Page 5 of 6

ND House Kills Bill for State-Owned Casinos

If it had been endorsed by the House, the constitutional amendment would have gone on the ballot for voters to decide

March 23, 2017

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BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota House voted to kill a Fargo representative’s bill to establish state-owned casinos. Rep. Al Carlson’s proposal includes building casinos the state could promote as “destination attractions” and use the profits to offset taxes. But opponents say the state-owned casinos could hurt American Indian casinos and damage relationships with the tribes. If it had…

Pushing the Boundaries? ND Lawmakers Consider Bill that Expands Jurisdiction of Campus Police

The bill is intended to protect the greater community and not just those on campus

March 21, 2017

Site Staff,

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota lawmakers are considering a bill that expands the jurisdiction of campus police officers. A co–sponsor of the bill said it’s all about increasing public safety for the entire community and not just the school. Right now, campus police have no jurisdiction off campus. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow campus police to go…

Gov. Dayton Issues His First Veto of 2017

The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill earlier this month altering the Public Utilities Commission's responsibilities for electric co-ops

March 21, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Dayton has vetoed legislation that would have decreased the oversight of a state electric utility regulator. The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill earlier this month altering the Public Utilities Commission’s responsibilities for electric co-ops. It would have given authority to handle disputes about fees for installing solar panels or wind generators to a third-party…

Citizen Initiative for Medical Marijuana in ND Battling Lawmakers Over Bill

Rilie Morgan, who headed the initiative campaign, believes lawmakers have changed the intent of the voter approved measure

March 21, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Backers of a successful North Dakota citizen initiative to allow medical marijuana are contesting new rules written by the Legislature. A bipartisan bill removed provisions that would have allowed growing marijuana as medicine and only allows patients to smoke it if a physician finds that no other form of marijuana would help. Rilie Morgan, who headed…

North Dakota Lawmakers One Step Closer to “No Permit Carry and Conceal” Law

Gov. Burgum hasn't said whether he would support the bill

March 21, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Carry and conceal without a permit is closer to becoming law in North Dakota. The Senate has approved the measure by a vote of 34 to 13. The House last month passed the proposal that allows people 18 and older to forgo background checks and classes that are now required. Supporters say the bill promotes constitutional…

Minnesota Sober School Asking Lawmakers for Funding

It's one of only six so-called sober schools in the state

March 20, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WAITE PARK, Minn. — Leaders of a new school that helps students struggling with alcohol abuse are asking lawmakers for funding. Seven students have been treated so far at the McKinley Recovery School, which is in its first year in Waite Park, Minnesota. It’s one of only six so-called sober schools in the state. School leaders say that despite…

MN House Republicans Propose $45 Billion Budget

House Speaker Kurt Daudt has suggested phasing out Social Security income taxes and reducing agricultural property taxes

March 20, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota House Republicans are looking at a roughly $45 billion two-year budget. Legislative leaders are considering cuts to some health care programs and state government agencies while drumming up nearly $1.4 billion in tax relief. House Speaker Kurt Daudt has suggested phasing out Social Security income taxes and reducing agricultural property taxes. They could have…

State-Owned Casinos Facing Uphill Battle in North Dakota

Carlson's resolution is a proposed constitutional amendment that would go to voters next year if lawmakers give the okay

March 16, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — A potentially losing hand has been dealt in a Fargo lawmaker’s attempt to allow state-owned casinos. The House Judiciary Committee gave Rep. Al Carlson’s proposal to allow up to six state-owned casinos a 13-2 “do not pass” recommendation on Wednesday. The full House is expected to vote Friday. Carlson’s resolution is a proposed constitutional amendment that…

Minnesota Lawmakers Concerned About Salary Increase Backlash

Minnesota voters set the 45 percent raise in motion in November by overwhelmingly approving a constitutional amendment to create a Legislative Salary Council

March 16, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt is instructing staff to not issue the $14,000 salary increases recently approved by an independent body. Minnesota voters set the 45 percent raise in motion in November by overwhelmingly approving a constitutional amendment to create a Legislative Salary Council. Though lawmakers no longer have the power to set their own…

Minnesota Sunday Liquor Sales to Begin July 2nd

Minnesota liquor stores will be able to open their doors on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning in July

March 7, 2017

TJ Nelson,

MINNESOTA — It’s official: liquor will be sold in Minnesota on Sundays starting in July. Gov. Dayton has signed the bill repealing the decades old ban. Minnesota liquor stores will be able to open their doors on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning in July. His signature is the final chapter in years of efforts to repeal…