North Dakota initiated measure study commission holds first meeting

The process by which North Dakota citizens and organizations bring issues to the ballot for consideration is going up for a review. The initiated measure process of petition carrying and signature gathering that allows a form of direct citizen legislation has been criticized in recent years. One of the arguments against, issues like the recently voter approved victim’s rights law can be brought forward by wealthy activists with few ties to North Dakota. A 19-member commission authorized by the Legislature will take a closer look at the process and make a recommendation.