north dakota legislature

Resolution proposes to change constitutional ballot measure vote threshold to 60%

A voter fills out a ballot at the Hillside Aquatic Complex in Bismarck on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Ballot measures to amend the North Dakota Constitution could have a steeper climb in the future. Members of the House Government and Veteran Affairs Committee held a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 3003 Thursday that…

North Dakota House kills bill to restore Sunday ‘Blue Law’

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-Prairie Public) – A bill to reinstate part of North Dakota’s “Blue Law” has been soundly rejected by the House. The measure introduced by Bismarck Republican Representative Matthew Heilman would prohibit most stores from being open between the hours of 6 am and noon Sundays. There would be exemptions for certain businesses, such as gas stations and drug…

School phone policies needed, but not a state ban, bill opponents say

Close up of woman’s hand using smartphone in the dark, against illuminated city light bokehThe Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is the latest of several tribes suing social media companies over their alleged effects on mental health. (Getty Images illustration)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota public education groups said Wednesday they recognize the need for a policy on student…

North Dakota bill to ban kratom fails, but regulation bill being drafted

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota lawmakers chose not to ban the plant-based substance kratom, but one lawmaker indicated a bill to regulate the substance is in the works. House Bill 1101 would have added mitragynine, derived from kratom, to a list of Schedule I controlled substances. Lawmakers heard testimony that the substance is sometimes used in pain management and opioid…

North Dakota Lawmakers Consider Bill To Ban Drones Made In China

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota could become the first state to outlaw drones made in China for government use. Privacy and security are the main concerns but the bill’s sponsor says the move could have positive economic benefits. It started with a casual conversation. North Dakota State Representative Mike Nathe was catching up with unmanned aircraft system officials, asking…

Budget caps a concern but local leaders say it’s time to work on property tax reform

Rep. Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, chair of the House Finance and Taxation Committee talks with his vice char, Rep. Jared Hagert, R-Emerado, before a public hearing on property tax reform on Jan. 14, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Local government leaders told lawmakers Tuesday they’re ready to work on property tax reform, but expressed concerns about…

North Dakota House approves removing Chinese drones from state fleet

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-Prairie Public) – The North Dakota House has approved a measure to replace Chinese-made drones in the state fleet. The state owns 353 drones, 307 from China. The sponsor, Bismarck Representative Mike Nathe, says he was told by some federal officials that the Chinese drones were equipped with data gathering and transmitting devices. Nate says the cost to…

Pain relief or a problem? North Dakota lawmakers hear kratom debate

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Witnesses on Monday characterized the kratom plant as both as a dangerous and sometimes fatal drug and as a safe way to manage chronic pain and help people wean themselves off more dangerous opioids. The testimony on kratom came during a North Dakota House Judiciary Committee hearing on House Bill 1101, which would add mitragynine,…

North Dakota lawmakers work to refine which groups can conduct charitable gambling

Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, delivers remarks on charitable gambling during a public hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A bill under consideration by North Dakota lawmakers would restrict which organizations qualify to conduct charitable gambling. The discussion comes as electronic pull tab machines have proliferated in…

New bill would change plans for new state hospital into regional facilities

North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown.BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A bill introduced in the state legislature would change how mental health is treated in the state but it runs in opposition to current plans by North Dakota Health and Human Services. The department is currently in phase 4 of it’s 5 phase plan to replace the state hospital with a…