North Dakota’s Legislature could soon shift to annual sessions, a move supporters say would improve efficiency and broaden participation. The House passed a bill to split the state’s current 80-day, biennial schedule into two 40-day sessions, aiming to ease lawmakers’ workload and allow more time for public input. Advocates argue this change is especially needed with term limits bringing in newer legislators. Critics, however, see it as unnecessary government expansion. With the bill now heading to the Senate, the debate over North Dakota’s legislative future continues.
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),
