north dakota legislature Archives - Page 31 of 36

Experts say public is not ready to forgo masks

It's still recommended in public that fully vaccinated people mask. Sounds a bit like a broken record, but that's what I think we still need to do,"

March 9, 2021

Aaron Walling,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – With the CDC updating its COVID-19 guidelines experts say we are not in the clear just yet. Parts of the country have already begun easing restrictions on mask mandates including North Dakota Legislature dropping mask usage within chambers and Grand Forks County forgoing all masks. Experts at Sanford Health say even with low case numbers and…

Lawmakers asked to eliminate citation envelopes

March 9, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Highway Patrol wants the Legislature to change a rule that requires law enforcement to provide a pre-addressed envelope with every traffic citation. The Patrol says the practice is a waste of money and an unneeded hassle for law enforcement because most people pay online, in person, or by phone. Troopers argue that law enforcement agencies…

Constitutional amendment would eliminate North Dakota property taxes

March 8, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – A Bismarck lawmaker has introduced a state Constitutional amendment that would eliminate local property taxes. Republican Rep. Rick Becker told the House Judiciary Committee the state would take over funding for schools, parks, police, firefighters and other local government expenses. He also said this would not affect local control. There would be exceptions for special projects,…

Second Half Of North Dakota Legislative Session Begins

March 3, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. — State lawmakers are back in Bismarck for the second half of the legislative session. North Dakota Public Radio’s Dave Thompson says the biggest item facing lawmakers is the multi-million dollar bonding bill, much of that for the FM Diversion Project. “As it stands right now, it’s $680 million for bonding, with virtually all of the money going…

Legislative leaders move to expel North Dakota House member

March 3, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. – Republican and Democratic legislative leaders are finalizing a resolution to expel a North Dakota House member accused of threatening and sexually harassing women at the state Capitol. House Majority Leader Chet Pollert says a resolution to expel GOP Rep. Luke Simons will be introduced on the House floor Thursday. Pollert and Democratic House Minority Leader Josh Boschee…

Update: Documents accuse North Dakota lawmaker of offensive behavior

February 25, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. – Lawyers for the North Dakota Legislature have documented allegations of sexual harassment and threats against them and others by a Republican lawmaker and have forwarded a file to legislative leaders for potential action that may lead to possible censure or expulsion. Redacted documents outlining an alleged pattern of sexually aggressive, lewd, and threatening behavior by Dickinson Rep….

North Dakota House wants voters to okay online sports betting

February 23, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota House wants residents to decide if sports betting and internet poker should be allowed in the state. Representatives on Tuesday endorsed a pair of bipartisan resolutions and companion bills that set the rules for the gambling operations. Supporters say internet poker and sports betting would generate revenue for charitable causes and the state, including…

North Dakota House legalizes recreational marijuana

February 23, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana. The bill only allows the already-established “compassion centers” to sell marijuana. Residents would not be allowed to grow their own marijuana. Smoking marijuana would also not be allowed in public. The bill passed 56 to 38. It will now go to the Senate for…

North Dakota House raises state gasoline tax

February 23, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK (KVRR/KCND) -The North Dakota House has voted to raise the gasoline tax by three cents a gallon. The tax would jump from 23 cents to 26 cents. The increase is projected to raise another $44 million over the next two years, with the money going toward roads and bridges. Supporters of the increase say they view the tax as…

House approves bill to outlaw local mask mandates

February 22, 2021

Jim Monk,

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has passed a bill to prevent local governments from imposing mask mandates. The bill’s sponsor is Minot Republican Representative Jeff Hoverson. Hoverson told the House he’s received a lot of emails, virtually all them in support of his bill. Bismarck Republican Representative Jason Dockter argued against the measure. Dockter says having a…