north dakota legislature

North Dakota lawmakers consider bill that would seal & erase criminal court records

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – A bill making its way through the North Dakota Legislature would make it easier to block public access to criminal court records. Jack McDonald, an attorney who represents the North Dakota Broadcasters Association, says in certain cases, defendants could file a petition to seal the file and get it erased it from the public. McDonald says…

North Dakota sees uptick in oil wells that qualify for tax exemption

Oil well pump jacks operate near Killdeer, North Dakota on Feb. 1, 2024. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Nearly half of North Dakota oil wells now qualify for a tax exemption as low-producing wells, contributing to a reduction in tax revenue projections for the upcoming budget cycle. But even if technology advancements lead to higher oil…

Political ads may have to add disclaimer if AI is used to impersonate real people

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Makers of political ads could be forced to run a disclaimer any time they use artificial intelligence to create impersonations of people. The bill in the North Dakota legislature covers all video, audio, and still images impersonating someone with the use of AI. Producers must use the words, “This content generated by Artificial Intelligence”. The bill…

Resolution to Undo Same-Sex Marriage Fails in North Dakota Senate on “Blind” Vote

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/AP) — North Dakota Senate has defeated a resolution to tell the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its decade-old ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The vote was taken without recording how senators voted and the final tally was 16 in favor and 31 against. Republican Sen. Diane Larson of Bismarck says the hotly debated resolution came out…

North Dakota lawmakers hear emotional testimony on resolution against same-sex marriage

Bradley King of Bismarck holds up a photo of his daughter and her wife during a committee hearing on a resolution opposing same-sex marriage on March 12, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A North Dakota Senate committee voted 6-1 Wednesday to not issue a recommendation on a House resolution urging the U.S. Supreme Court to…

Heavily amended Pledge of Allegiance bill given Do-Pass recommendation

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota lawmakers are also looking at the Pledge of Allegiance bill that was heavily amended before passing the house. The bill originally required schools to have students recite the pledge unless they received written permission from a parent or guardian. The bill now says schools are required to give students the opportunity to recite the pledge….

ND Legislature looks to make punishment for DUI on drugs the same as alcohol DUIs

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — People accused of hurting or killing someone while driving on drugs could have the same enhanced penalties as people who drive drunk. The bill in the North Dakota Legislature says if you kill someone while driving drunk or high, prosecutors could charge you with criminal vehicular homicide. Serious injury cases would be charged with felony criminal…

Senate lawmakers weigh questions of fairness in North Dakota property tax debate

Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, testifies in favor of a property tax reform bill to a Senate committee on March 11, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Members of a Senate committee debated meaningful versus equitable property tax reform during hearings for two bills that would drastically affect how property tax is collected in the state. House…

North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration proposes rebranding itself as Office of Global Talent

Katie Ralston Howe, director of workforce development for the North Dakota Department of Commerce, delivers remarks Aug. 21, 2024, during a Global Talent Summit at the Heritage Center. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration – which some lawmakers wanted to eliminate – seeks a name change to better reflect the…