Young geologists in North Dakota are making waves by proposing the state’s first official rock: Knife River Flint. These spirited students, known as the Bottineau Rockhounds, took their enthusiasm to the state Capitol, urging lawmakers to embrace this cola-colored stone. Historically significant[...]
Tag: ND Legislature
Commentary |
Making Property Taxes Fair Again: A Reform Plan for North Dakota
North Dakota’s property tax system might not be a typical dinner table topic, but its complexity impacts every homeowner. A recent proposal aims to address frustrations with the current system, introducing bold reforms like an 8-year rolling average for assessments and a[...]
Curio |
School phone policies needed, but not a state ban (news and an editor’s commentary on the topic)
In Bismarck, a new debate centers on the ringing and pinging interruptions that cellphones bring into classrooms. Representative Jim Jonas has pitched a bill to limit student cellphone use, aiming for better focus and mental health. While some educators see the merit,[...]
News |
Minot legislator offers property tax relief bill
Legislative discussions are heating up about lessening the burden of property taxes, and one proposal is coming straight out of Minot. Representative Scott Louser is championing a bill to shift some school funding responsibilities from property owners to the state. If passed,[...]
News |
Armstrong’s executive budget highlighted by property tax relief, infrastructure and housing investments
Governor Kelly Armstrong has laid out his executive budget proposal for 2025-27, focusing on significant investments poised to reshape the state. Prioritizing property tax relief, housing, and education, the $19.89 billion proposal includes over $1 billion in new spending. Highlights feature a[...]
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News |
Underserved rural communities targeted in legislative proposal
In the rolling plains of rural North Dakota, small towns like Wing face big challenges. Imagine trying to build a city hall with no funds or renovate a community greenhouse with change found in couch cushions. Enter Senate Bill 2097, a proposal[...]
News |
Budget caps a concern but local leaders say it’s time to work on property tax reform
Local government leaders told lawmakers Tuesday they’re ready to work on property tax reform, but expressed concerns about the state capping their budgets. The House Finance and Taxation Committee took testimony on a bill that incorporates Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s plan to put[...]
Commentary |
Ethics and the One-Party State: A Mission Not Yet Accepted
The reluctance of the North Dakota State legislature to accept the recommendations of the newly formed ethics commission should not be a surprise except to the most naive among us. Organizations historically have not been known to reform themselves. Elected officials having[...]
Curio |
South Dakota Legislature: Property taxes, pipelines, prisons (and more)
As South Dakota’s Legislature convenes for its 100th session, it’s not just about marking a centennial milestone. Transition is the name of the game in Pierre, with Gov. Kristi Noem poised for a Washington move and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden ready to[...]
Commentary |
Port: The culture war bills are back at North Dakota’s Legislature
North Dakota is no stranger to legislative drama, and this session is no exception with bills that wade deeply into the murky waters of religious and social policy. Among the more contentious proposals, House Bill 1145 seeks to mandate the display of[...]
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News |
North Dakota’s top court proposes free therapy for jurors after traumatic trials
Serving as a juror in a difficult trial can leave an indelible mark on anyone, yet these individuals hold a crucial role in our justice system. Recognizing the emotional toll, the North Dakota Supreme Court is proposing a new measure to support[...]
News |
North Dakota Ethics Commission receives early pushback in legislative hearing
The North Dakota Ethics Commission received pushback from lawmakers Wednesday on one of its first bills, with a nearly unanimous recommendation to reject it. The Ethics Commission can issue advisory opinions to help officials under its jurisdiction understand how ethics laws and[...]
News |
Voters created an ethics commission in North Dakota. Then the Legislature limited its power.
Fed up with politics as usual, a group known as the BadAss Grandmas rallied North Dakotans six years ago to establish a state Ethics Commission. Their mission? To curb unethical behavior among public officials. Yet, this watchdog has been less potent than[...]
Commentary |
Why should elected officials care about ethics when we don’t?
Ethics in North Dakota politics are raising eyebrows as lawmakers reconvene in Bismarck. Key figures like Rep. Jason Dockter, recently convicted of a misdemeanor over a questionable lease deal, continue to hold office despite calls for accountability. Similarly, other instances, such as[...]
Commentary |
Port: Minot’s city manager wants to block access to public employee personnel files
Government transparency in Minot looks to again be on the agenda. Harold Stewart, the City Manager, wants to keep personnel records under wraps — that’s the message he delivered at a City Council meeting on the upcoming legislative session late last year.[...]
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Clock Is Ticking on Time For Legislators to Submit Bills for 2025 Session
If North Dakotans want policies addressed during the legislative session that starts Tuesday, they need to act quickly. The deadline for House members to introduce new legislation is Jan. 20 while state Senators may introduce bills until Jan. 27. “If you want[...]