A bill to fund upgrades at the North Dakota State Fair sailed through the Senate but ran into legal roadblocks in the House—namely, a long-standing law that bars state dollars from supporting fair operations. Lawmakers backing the $1.9 million proposal say it’s time to revisit that restriction, especially as the fair seeks funds for improved security and campground facilities. The broader debate? Whether state law should single out certain agencies or services—like the State Fair or public broadcasting—for exclusion when others receive support without question.
Jill Schramm with the Minot Daily News has the story; bill details on SB 2009 are below.
