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,…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota lawmakers are considering a bill to restrict the sale and purchase of catalytic converters. Advocates say the bill is designed to cut down on an epidemic of catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converters have become a hot item for thieves because they contain platinum and other precious metals. The materials are worth thousands of dollars per…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – By the narrowest of margins, the North Dakota Senate has passed a bill to allow for annual legislative sessions. The sponsor, Williston Republican Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, says the additional session would be a “short session” to take care of budget matters. One Senator was absent, and the vote was tied 23 to 23. Lt. Gov. Brent…
