legislature

Displays at Fargo libraries show books that could be removed under two N.D. bills

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Workers at Fargo’s three public libraries put together displays to show which books could no longer be offered if two bills in the North Dakota Legislature become law. “We do not have adult porn available in our public schools, so why are we finding persuasive, obscene pornographic images and materials in our schools? In testimony we…

South Dakota Senate censures, reinstates suspended lawmaker

The aide also said Frye-Mueller made graphic comments about breastfeeding.

FILE – South Dakota state Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller speaks in a Senate session on Jan. 26, 2023, in Pierre, S.D. The South Dakota Senate on Wednesday, Feb. 1, censured and reinstated the Republican senator who was suspended last week amid allegations she had harassed a legislative aide during an exchange about childhood vaccinations and breastfeeding. (AP Photo/Amancai Biraben, File)PIERRE, S.D….

Bill caps North Dakota insulin cost at $25.00 per month

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – A bipartisan bill in the North Dakota Senate would require insurance companies to cap insulin costs at $25 a month. A Hillsboro woman whose daughter has type one diabetes is fighting for it to pass. “It’s a life-threatening disease and the only thing that they need to survive is insulin as well as everything else like…

N.D. Attorney General Wants Tougher Sentencing On Some Crimes

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says a mandatory minimum bill is needed to set tougher jail and prison sentences as violent crime continues to escalate. During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing at the state capitol, Wrigley said many criminals who are convicted of dangerous crimes and imprisoned are out too soon. Wrigley says he has…

Democrats introduce bill to legalize marijuana & expunge pot convictions

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – House and Senate DFLers announce a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older and expunge pot related convictions. Author of the House bill, State Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids, explains the measure would make a legal marketplace to grow, buy and sell cannabis with regulations. He says it also includes traffic…

2023 North Dakota legislative session preview

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – North Dakota’s Legislative sessions begins Tuesday. Republicans have 43 more seats than Democrats in the Senate and 70 in the House, but that doesn’t mean they are all on the same page. “There’s not universal agreement among the majority of Republicans on certain things and they may need some Democratic votes to get over the finish…

Gov. Walz Pledges Largest Investment in Public Education As He’s Sworn In For 2nd Term

ST. PAUL (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is pledging to make the largest investments in public education in Minnesota history as he begins his second term. The former teacher was sworn in Monday during inauguration ceremonies at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. He says Minnesota has a “historic opportunity” with its $17.6 billion projected budget surplus to become…

Three Vote Difference Leads to Recount in N.D. District 43 House Race

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/AP) — North Dakota’s vote canvassing board has met to certify the results of the November 8 election, including a legislative contest that was close enough to force an automatic recount. In unofficial returns, incumbent Democrat Rep. Zachary Ista defeated fellow Democrat incumbent Mary Adams by three votes in District 43 in Grand Forks County for the second…

MN Attorney General Begins Looking Into Proposed Sanford & Fairview Merger

ST. PAUL — Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has “opened an investigation” of whether the proposed merger of Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services with South Dakota-based Sanford Health complies with charity and nonprofit laws or would have “any possible effects on competition.” The planned merger is also seeing scrutiny at the Minnesota Legislature. Democratic Representative John Huot from Rosemount said access for…