BISMARCK, ND — A newly updated revenue forecast shows North Dakota’s treasury expects to collect about $1 billion more in state tax collections for the next two-year budget cycle than what lawmakers had adopted just two months ago. The forecast presented to the Legislature’s Budget Section predicted higher oil prices and production than what was set by lawmakers in January as…
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers are pushing to replenish the empty Disaster Assistance Contingency Account ahead of anticipated spring flooding. The fund is in the red after the state responded with $11 million in relief to flooding last year in Brainerd and Duluth. Republican State Sen. Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks and State Rep. Tony Jurgens of Cottage Grove…
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota House Public Safety Committee voted Thursday to approve a “red flag” gun control bill, which allows police to seize guns from people deemed by a judge to pose a threat to themselves and others. The committee voted 10-7 to approve the measure. The same committee advanced their plan to require background checks on most gun sales and transfers…
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota House committee has opened a hearing on the contentious issue of gun control. More than 300 people packed the hallway outside a Capitol hearing room ahead of the event. The first bill on the agenda would require universal criminal background checks for gun purchasers. The second would let families and police petition the courts to…
BISMARCK, N.D. — The House has reconsidered a measure that would impose penalties for using drones to invade someone’s privacy. Representatives approved the bill on Tuesday but today voted to defeat it. Opponents of the bill say any limitations on drones may hurt the state’s growing unmanned aircraft industry. The bill aimed to make it illegal to use a drone…
MOORHEAD, MN — Kids in Moorhead will now be going to school on April 22 to makeup for school being closed February 7 due to the blizzard. A decision has not been made for January 29 and 30. School was canceled those days for extreme cold. Two-hour late starts factor into lost learning time and might result in additional makeup days….
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Senate once again rejects a bill prohibiting housing and workforce discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The vote failed by a 27-20 margin. Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman of New Rockford says people are leaving the state because they don’t feel accepted. Republican Sen. Diane Larson of Bismarck says no one testified in…
BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota’s House has killed legislation that would bar drivers from smoking in the car if they have a passenger younger than 9. Fargo Democratic Rep. Pamela Anderson’s measure would have allowed police to pull over anyone seen smoking with young children in the car and fine them $25. The vote against the bill was 57-31. The Republican-led…
St. Paul, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov.-elect Tim Walz will enjoy a $1.5 billion surplus as he crafts his first state budget, state budget officials projected Thursday. State officials said higher-than-expected revenues and less state spending contributed to the surplus. The state’s reserves will stand at more than $2 billion next year, they said. The budget forecast will frame the debate over…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republican Rep. Dan Fabian of Roseau has been named the House Caucus Whip. Fabian served as an Assistant Majority Leader during the last legislative session and as Majority Whip during the 2015-2016 sessions. “I’m excited to join the House Republican leadership team, and to provide a positive contrast to the Democrats’ agenda of higher taxes, runaway…
