Latest news with #NorthDakotaHouse
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Special session of North Dakota Legislature unclear with legal research underway
North Dakota House lawmakers meet during the final hours of the session on May 3, 2025. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) A special session of the North Dakota Legislature is still up in the air as the attorney general reviews options to fix an error with a line-item veto. Meanwhile, legislative leaders this week directed staff to do legal research on possible scenarios that would prompt the Legislature to come back into session, including a recent appeals court ruling that affects legislative districts. Gov. Kelly Armstrong's general counsel has asked for an attorney general's opinion on his line-item veto of Senate Bill 2014. Armstrong's veto message only indicated he objected to a $150,000 grant, but the message was accompanied by red lines crossing out a section of the bill that also included $35 million for the Housing Incentive Fund. North Dakota governor unintentionally vetoes $35 million for housing programs Attorney Chris Joseph wrote in his request for an opinion that the red marking 'merely serves as a color-coded visual aid.' He asked for an opinion on whether the governor's written veto message or the visual pen marks on the bill satisfy the constitutional requirements of a line-item veto. Mike Nowatzki, spokesman for the governor, said the opinion will determine the next steps. Armstrong previously said he would call lawmakers back for a special session if necessary to correct the mistake. Legislative Council estimates a special session would cost $65,000 per day. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, said Wednesday during a meeting of Legislative Management that he asked Legislative Council staff to brief legislative leaders on scenarios that might prompt lawmakers to reconvene. One question Hogue raised is whether the Legislature has a duty to act in response to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that overturned a 2023 district court ruling that found the state's 2021 redistricting plan unlawfully diluted the voting power of Native American voters. A federal judge had ordered the Legislature to change its district map, but if the appellate court's ruling stands, the state would revert back to the 2021 plan. The plaintiffs, which include the Spirit Lake Nation and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, have asked for a rehearing before the full 8th Circuit. Hogue also asked staff to provide a legal briefing related to the governor's vetoes and whether that would prompt legislators to reconvene. Armstrong issued seven line-item vetoes on six bills after the session adjourned. Previously, Legislative Council Director John Bjornson said a special session was the only obvious legal remedy to fix the error with the veto, but he said this week his staff continue to research the issue. Other situations that might prompt the Legislature to reconvene are a significant drop in the price of oil that changes the state's budget outlook or federal funding cuts that have major impacts to state or local subdivisions, Hogue said. If lawmakers call themselves back into session, they have six remaining days of their 80-day limit. If Armstrong calls a special session, that would not affect the 80-day limit. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The real priorities of North Dakotans are being ignored
The North Dakota House meets May 1, 2025. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) While state lawmakers spent the 2025 session debating who can use which bathroom and read what books, North Dakotans were saying something very different: they want affordable child care, paid family leave, and the freedom to live their lives in peace. But the Legislature didn't deliver any of that. In fact, they did the exact opposite — doubling down on divisive political fights that don't reflect the real needs or values of North Dakotans. Gender Justice has been working alongside North Dakotans for several years, listening, learning, and standing with community members directly impacted by harmful laws. We've challenged two of the most extreme: one that bans nearly all abortions and threatens doctors with criminal charges, and another that criminalizes medical providers who offer proven, often life-saving health care to transgender youth. We brought these lawsuits because these laws violate the state constitution, inflict real harm, and set a dangerous precedent — one where the government inserts itself into the most personal aspects of our lives and overrides decisions that belong to families, patients, and medical professionals. Still, we knew we had to go beyond the courtroom. So last fall, we commissioned a statewide poll to hear directly from North Dakotans — across the political spectrum — about what they want their elected leaders to focus on, and how they view their transgender and nonbinary neighbors, coworkers and loved ones. What we found was clear: North Dakotans are compassionate, fair-minded people who want real solutions — not fear mongering fueled by multi-million dollar campaigns designed to divide us. The vast majority of North Dakotans support policies like making child care more affordable (84%), expanding access to affordable housing (80%), paid family and medical leave (76%), and increasing funding for public schools (76%). But this session, lawmakers did not do enough to meaningfully address those needs. Instead, they pushed more bills targeting trans youth, tried to undermine marriage equality and blocked widely supported initiatives, like free school meals for kids. When it comes to transgender and nonbinary North Dakotans, our poll confirms what we've long known: most people want everyone to be treated with dignity and respect. An overwhelming 91% of North Dakotans agree the government should stay out of transgender people's private business. Eighty-four percent believe everyone should have the same rights and freedoms, regardless of gender expression. Three in four say trans people should be allowed to be who they are, and 71% support parents' ability to access health care and counseling for their transgender and nonbinary children. These are not the views of a fringe minority. These are the beliefs of everyday North Dakotans. So why is the Legislature so out of step with the people it's supposed to represent? Because division is a distraction. When politicians stoke fear about transgender people, they're not responding to any real crisis — they're creating one. It's easier to score political points by fear mongering about bathrooms and book bans than to do the real work of helping families care for sick loved ones, lower the cost of child care, or ensure every kid has a safe, stable place to learn. When politicians use LGBTQ+ people — especially trans youth — as political scapegoats, it's real families who pay the price. We know this because we're representing them in court. Our clients are parents doing everything they can to support their kids in a state that has made that care a criminal issue. They've told us what it's like to fear for their children's safety, to carry the weight of stigma, and to feel abandoned by elected leaders who should have their backs. But they've also shared something else: in towns large and small, from every corner of this state, they've experienced support from neighbors, friends, coaches, and teachers. That's what makes these laws even more painful. Most North Dakotans want to live and let live. It's politicians creating division, not our communities. That's why we're here — and why we're proud to be working alongside the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and community partners to host The People's Session on May 16. This community-led event is a space for North Dakotans to come together, share stories, talk about their priorities, and begin shaping a people-centered vision for the state's future. It's an opportunity to refocus the conversation on what really matters: supporting working families, protecting personal freedoms, and building a state where everyone is treated fairly — no matter who they are. We know that future is possible — not because we're guessing, but because North Dakotans told us what they want. Now it's time for the Legislature to listen.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Dakota lawmakers approve needs, some wants with $20.3 billion budget
North Dakota House lawmakers meet during the final hours of the session on May 3, 2025. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota lawmakers adjourned early Saturday after approving a total state budget of $20.3 billion for 2025-27, with investments including a historic property tax package for homeowners, a new State Hospital and funding to address overcrowding at jails and prisons. The overall budget, which includes federal dollars and other special funds, is a 3.5% increase over the current two-year budget cycle. 'We managed to address all of our needs and some of our wants, and we did it without raising any taxes. We did it without borrowing any money, and we provided record (property tax) relief,' said Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, as lawmakers adjourned about 4 a.m. Saturday. The preliminary two-year budget for general fund spending for 2025-27 is $6.25 billion, an increase of 2.6% over 2023-25. Though legislators started the 2025 session with excess revenue, they're keeping a cautious eye to the future with the state's growth projected to slow amid lower oil prices, declining oil tax revenue and uncertainty about tariffs. Lawmakers also funded investments that aim to spur new oil production and diversify the state's economy. Gov. Kelly Armstrong said he's excited the Legislature passed a property tax package that includes a $1,600 primary residence tax credit and provisions to limit future property tax increases, an idea he pitched at the start of the session. Armstrong said he's also pleased lawmakers adopted a 'bell-to-bell' cellphone ban for public schools, another idea he championed. 'I think those two things will have an immediate impact,' Armstrong said early Saturday. The property tax package is funded with earnings from the state's $12 billion Legacy Fund. Armstrong said if lawmakers allow the fund to continue to grow, it could put most homeowners on a path to paying zero property taxes within a decade. 'What a legacy for our kids and grandkids, to be able to have a significant amount paid toward their property tax,' said House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson. House Minority Leader Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, told his colleagues he's glad they spent more time on the 'real issues facing North Dakotans' this year than they had in recent years, referring to culture war issues that dominated much of the 2023 session. 'Let that be the start of a positive trend for our body, and let us commit to resisting the pull of polarization and extremism,' Ista said. Some, including Armstrong, said the Legislature missed an opportunity to do more to address the state's housing and workforce needs. 'But those are tough issues, so we always have more time for that,' Armstrong said. Legislators approved $300 million to construct a new State Hospital in Jamestown, which will replace an outdated facility. The project will provide 140 beds to serve people in need of acute mental health services. Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, who chaired the division of the House Appropriations Committee that handled the budget for Health and Human Services, said that project is critical for the state. Lawmakers had considered reducing the funding to $285 million, but ultimately approved $300 million. The Office of Management and Budget will oversee construction of the project. 'It was our highest priority in our section with the Human Service budget,' Nelson said. Lawmakers approved other investments in regional behavioral health services, including nearly $13 million to create 24 new in-patient acute psychiatric beds in Grand Forks and $1.5 million for 10 beds in Williston. Legislators also fully funded the Free Through Recovery and Community Connect programs that help people with recovery support. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget includes $28.4 million for payments to county and regional jails, which are housing inmates due to crowding at state prisons. The department is looking to staff and operate unused space in Grand Forks County's new jail expansion for some state prisoners. Armstrong's administration secured a letter of intent from the Grand Forks County Commission to enter into an agreement, with terms still being finalized. North Dakota prisons find extra inmate beds in county facilities amid overcrowding The budget also includes more than $35 million to complete the Heart River Correctional Center in Mandan, the first state prison designed for women. Another $8 million is dedicated for a temporary facility to add beds for the Missouri River Correctional Center and $20 million to design and plan a new medium-security prison that's proposed to be built next to the State Penitentiary. A group of three bills backed by the corrections department aims to keep people out of the criminal justice system and lead to a lower recidivism rate after inmates are released. The recidivism rate was a point of discussion as Attorney General Drew Wrigley backed what he called a truth-in-sentencing bill. Senate Bill 2128 sought to make sure inmates in the state prison system spend most of their sentence behind bars, but it was defeated in the House. K-12 education was a major topic for lawmakers, but proposals to establish private school vouchers or Education Savings Accounts did not survive the session. Armstrong vetoed one bill because it only affected private school students, and lawmakers defeated a more comprehensive bill, in large part due to the high price tag. Lawmakers did approve a bill establishing public charter schools in North Dakota for the first time. Legislators voted down proposals to provide free school meals to all students, an idea that was strongly supported by the public. Lawmakers did include $7.3 million in the Department of Public Instruction budget to make free lunch available to students from families within 225% of the federal poverty level. That's an increase from 200% of the poverty line that was funded in the 2023 session. It means a family of four with an income of about $72,000 would qualify for free school lunches. Free school lunch advocates call on Legislature to act The Together for School Meals coalition has said it's deeply disappointed the Legislature did not pass universal school meals. 'Free school meals is a policy supported by 79% of North Dakotans and championed by over 80 local organizations committed to ending child hunger,' said Amy Jacobson, executive director of Prairie Action ND and a member of the coalition. 'This bill had the power to put real money — an estimated $850 per child per year — back into the pockets of hardworking parents.' The overall Department of Public Instruction budget contains a 2.5% increase of the per-pupil payment for each year of the biennium, raising it to $11,349 in fiscal year 2026 and $11,633 the following year. The Senate advocated for 3% each year. Legislation signed by Armstrong will make public K-12 schools phone-free, requiring personal electronic devices to be stowed and inaccessible during instructional time. The law takes effect Aug. 1. Lawmakers debated several controversial issues that ultimately failed. A resolution urging an end to same-sex marriage passed the House but later was defeated in the Senate. Lawmakers also defeated a bill to require the display of the Ten Commandments in schools and public colleges and rejected a resolution that declared the kingship of Jesus Christ. The Legislature spent a considerable amount of time on policing the content in public libraries and bathrooms at public schools. North Dakota governor vetoes controversial library content bill Armstrong vetoed a bill that addressed content in public libraries and K-12 schools, which expanded on legislation approved two years ago. Failure to comply could have cost the library or school state funding and resulted in criminal charges. 'The bill imposes vague and punitive burdens on professionals and opens the door to a host of unintended and damaging consequences for our communities,' Armstrong said in his veto message. Armstrong signed a bill that prevents K-12 public schools from building new all-gender, multistall bathrooms. Lawmakers added an exemption for existing restrooms after schools complained they would have to spend millions to bring their facilities into compliance. Schools could be fined if they don't comply with the bathroom policy and other regulations in the same section of code, including a requirement for schools and teachers to inform a students' parents if they learn the child is transgender. The governor also signed a bill that amends Century Code to state 'words used to reference an individual's gender mean the individual's sex,' a proposal some critics called discriminatory to transgender and intersex North Dakotans. Landowner groups and local government officials argued with lawmakers this session to maintain local control, though frequently ended up on the losing side of the debate. House Bill 1258 gave the Public Service Commission more authority over setback rules on large electrical transmission lines, taking away authority from townships and counties. Sen. Terry Wanzek, R-Jamestown, represents an area where a large power line is planned. A township created a half-mile setback from residences, and Wanzek said such rules hinder the project and threaten others like it across the state. House Bill 2321, which aimed to strengthen the position of landowners in negotiations with oil and infrastructure developers by helping them recoup legal fees, had support in the Senate but ultimately failed in the House. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton, who represents an area where the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline is routed. His other bills to strengthen landowner rights and limit carbon capture development made little headway. On the final day of the session, lawmakers approved a bill that aims to keep North Dakota on the forefront of rare earth mineral development. The Northwest Landowners Association argued the bill is unconstitutional. During the session, House members mourned the loss of Rep. Josh Christy, R-Fargo, who died in February at age 43. Last week, Armstrong signed two bills sponsored by Christy, who had developed a niche in the Legislature on the subjects of artificial intelligence and technology. 'While we continue to mourn, we celebrate the achievements he made and the legacy he left with his service,' Ista said. As lawmakers closed out the session they also acknowledged Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, who was hospitalized late in the session. Lawmakers adjourned on day 74 of the session, which means they have six days remaining of their 80-day limit. Several expressed a desire to save days in case lawmakers need to return to address impacts on the state from cut federal funds. 'It's highly likely that we'll need to get called back,' said Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo. Lee, who chaired the Senate Human Services Committee, said she's watching potential cuts to Medicaid or other human services funding that could require the state to respond. 'Without the money, the state has to be able to step up,' Lee said. 'And we're lucky to be in a position to know that we're probably going to be able to do that.' The state Democrats issued a statement warning of 'misguided and chaotic national policies' that threaten local impacts. 'Already we've lost promised funds for rural infrastructure, mental health care and even the care of disabled persons,' Ista said. The governor can also call a special session, which would not have a time limit. 'We'll wait and see where we're at,' Armstrong said Saturday. 'It costs money to bring everybody back. Obviously, if there's a real reason to do it, we will do it.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Dakota governor vetoes bill to change state employee health insurance
North Dakota state lawmakers participate in a Senate floor session on April 25, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong vetoed a bill Monday that opponents worried would lead to state employees paying health insurance premiums. Senate Bill 2160 would have moved the state's insurance to a plan that offers benefits compliant with the federal Affordable Care Act. Supporters of the bill said it would have given more flexibility to the state over health insurance plan options and would have provided better coverage of preventative care. Opponents said it could lead to employees paying health insurance premiums, which they don't currently. North Dakota House approves change to state health insurance plan In Armstrong's veto message to the Senate, he said the state's health plans are one of the most valued benefits for state employees. He added it was one of the state's 'strongest and most useful recruitment and retention tools.' 'Senate Bill 2160 disposes of that tool and replaces it with a more expensive alternative,' Armstrong wrote. The health plan switch was estimated to cost at least $25.8 million every two years, according to the governor's office. 'The current health plan is better for state employees and employees of political subdivisions,' Armstrong wrote. He added, if the bill were to become law, state employees and employees of political subdivisions would have been put in separate health insurance pools, which would have raised the cost on both groups. The vetoed bill will now go back to the Senate. It would take a two-thirds majority vote to override the governor's veto. The Senate passed the bill 44-2. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Dakota House advances $50M in state funds for presidential library
The last steel beam is hoisted into place at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on Aug. 14, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota House advanced an amendment to the Department of Commerce budget Wednesday that would add $50 million in state funding and a $20 million Bank of North Dakota loan for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The 53-40 vote followed lengthy discussion, with some members questioning why the $50 million was first introduced last Friday and did not receive a full policy committee hearing. The funding proposed in Senate Bill 2018 would be in addition to $50 million in state funds the Legislature approved in 2019. Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, who proposed the additional library funding, said the $50 million would only be available if the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation matches it with private donations. The goal is to add to the library's endowment so interest from the funds could help cover operational costs, he said. 'As we all know, museums just don't make money,' Nathe said. Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library crosses construction milestone Construction of the library is on schedule near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the tourist town of Medora, with a grand opening planned for July 4, 2026. In 2019, then-Gov. Doug Burgum signed a bill authorizing a $50 million endowment for the library that was contingent on the library foundation raising $100 million in private donations. Nathe said inflation and other impacts after the COVID-19 pandemic drove up the cost of multi-year projects like the presidential library. Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, said he only supported the funding in 2019 because he was told that would be the only request for state dollars to support the presidential library. Koppelman, who voted against the new funding, also took issue with the dollars being proposed to the House Appropriations Committee rather than a policy committee. 'We might as well not have policy committees if we're just going to put policy in budget bills whenever we feel like it,' Koppelman said. 'This is a pretty big policy shift to say we're going to double what we did before after we were told that was it.' Rep. Jared Hendrix, R-West Fargo, who also voted against the amendment, said he worries that taxpayers would be on the hook to fill funding gaps for the library. 'I think we would be kidding ourselves if we're going to say that we're not going to be coming back in the future for many years, and decades, to come to ask for more money because these libraries are not sustainable,' Hendrix said. The bill also contains a $20 million line of credit from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota for the library to access during the 2025-27 biennium. The goal of the loan is to help fund construction if there are donations pledged that have yet to be received. Lawmakers approved a similar $70 million line of credit for the library in the 2023 session, which the library foundation has not accessed. 'That we haven't touched our $70 million line of credit with the state shows that we are being responsible about this and trying to raise as much private funds as possible,' said Matt Briney, spokesperson for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. To date, the foundation has raised $286 million in private donations for the library project, he said. 'If we get all the private funding for the library, that would essentially be $500 million for the library construction and the endowment contributions,' Briney said. A $70 million line of credit for the library was included in the state Parks and Recreation budget. However, the latest amendment reduces it to $20 million. Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said lawmakers intend to only include the loan in one budget. The bill states that if the loan is not repaid by June 30, 2027, lawmakers would be asked to consider repaying it. Lawmakers also added a provision that would require admission to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to be free for children under 18. Rep. Vicky Steiner, R-Dickinson, who voted in support of the library funding, said former President Theodore Roosevelt was 'larger than life.' She said the library could inspire children for generations. 'This will put us on the map internationally,' Steiner said. She added the library will help tell the story of North Dakota and could influence more investment and people coming to the state. Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library bill aims for federal cost-share, access to artifacts The House is expected to vote on the overall bill Thursday. The library funding also would need to be considered by the Senate. The presidential library endowment is managed by the state Department of Trust Lands. The balance was about $54.5 million as of Jan. 31, according to Land Commissioner Joe Heringer. The presidential library also received $4 million in state funding through the Department of Commerce Destination Development grant program. The funding was designated for recreation trails, paths and pavilions around the library grounds to connect with nearby tourist and recreation sites. In addition, the library received nearly $500,000 from the state Outdoor Heritage Fund for a native plant seeding project. There's also an effort to secure federal funding for up to $50 million for the library. The U.S. Senate passed the legislation last year but the House did not act on it. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., reintroduced the legislation in February, with Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., as a co-sponsor. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
