North Dakota’s biennial legislative schedule may have served its purpose in a slower, simpler era, but that time has passed. The Grand Forks Herald Editorial Board argues that House Bill 1408, which proposes moving to annual legislative sessions, is the right move to keep pace with the state’s rapidly evolving economy. With billion-dollar budgets, global oil market influence, and emerging industries like UAS technology, North Dakota needs a more responsive and adaptable legislative process. The Senate now has a chance to embrace progress—or cling to outdated tradition, but the Herald’s position on the issue is crystal clear. The full editorial is linked below as well as bill details related to the matter.
HB 1408
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 54-03-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to annually reconvened sessions of the legislative assembly; and to provide an effective date.
House Sponsors: Bahl (R, District 17), Hagert (R, District 20), Lefor (R, District 37), Louser (R, District 5), D. Ruby (R, District 38), Schauer (R, District 13), Weisz (R, District 14),
Senate Sponsors: Bekkedahl (R, District 1), Davison (R, District 41), Roers (R, District 27), Schaible (R, District 31), Sickler (R, District 17),
,
HCR 3036
A concurrent resolution to amend and reenact sections 7 and 13 of article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to sessions of the legislative assembly; and to provide an effective date.
House Sponsors:
Senate Sponsors: Mathern (D, District 11), Kasper (R, District 46), Brandenburg (R, District 28), Kempenich (R, District 39), Koppelman (R, District 16), Motschenbacher (R, District 47), D. Ruby (R, District 38),
