[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6278621,"mediaKeyId","2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b","parentId",2639467,"title","Representative Proposes Allowing Annual Sessions or Longer Total Days; Committee Debates Tradeoffs","audioSeconds",254,"startMs",8250000,"endMs",8504000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b&start=8250&end=8504","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b/thumbnail_8250000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6278621/North-Dakota/Representative-Proposes-Allowing-Annual-Sessions-or-Longer-Total-Days-Committee-Debates-Tradeoffs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278621-0e7c71aefde276161b43765b4936aa11/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159130&Signature=BCbfoKiYFG3XeQD~kmqvlSoEFE~UYqJFBjDtjb0lZWVfdbKevWSU0o~X-oU4HV-NLx5MlnkBdA1hfzBQeMhGoYr8Zc2aCc5v7sYlSgCXQOZXFiaufFPQ73J7Wg6SY8aCD6-zOIGwuh1cwfm-pRNQd8mjzt9IqrMfJ5jQ28BmZIepUxsL97RBJPuV~xJtZ9pvdUW~Tr7wvtjtfJvSqgXwLvRQaoJOIE8YnesyGvVa3CdylXI5yh~v759BpFWYUJgzLBUVCr~S9jZMxHy0VZmiA0h4ggrBxgPPTVZwSTQIKRqILMLo9SuTaz3zKkITTSHFyA6zja-7C59gg2cF9sC-7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-03-14T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Jim Casper introduced House Concurrent Resolution 30 36, a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the Legislative Assembly to meet annually or biannually and to increase the allowable days in the biennium from 80 to 100. Casper briefed the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee on the measure and answered questions from lawmakers.

\"Currently, the constitution says we may serve up to 80 days through the biennium,\" Casper said. He said the first and last weeks of session often include slow, organizational work and that increasing the total days could ease scheduling pressure if the legislature moves to annual sessions.

Committee members raised practical and fiscal concerns. Representative Van Winkle asked whether the measure would effectively permit 100 days every year; Casper clarified the proposal would still cap meeting time to 100 days during the two‑year biennium. Several members said a longer calendar could encourage more bill filings and increase state costs for operations and support staff. Representative Greenberg and others pointed to the additional burden on citizen‑legislators who would need to serve more frequently if sessions become annual.

Casper said the amendment leaves operational decisions to legislative management: if voters approve the constitutional change, legislative management would determine whether to meet annually or not and how to schedule sessions. Casper emphasized the question would go to voters; the resolution as drafted would appear on the ballot in the 2026 election if the legislature approves it.

The committee voted a do‑not‑pass recommendation (10‑4) on the measure during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Government and Veterans Affairs Friday, Mar 14, 2025 8:30 AM - 11:55 AM","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Jim Casper introduced a constitutional amendment to allow the Legislative Assembly to meet annually or biannually and to increase allowable biennial meeting days from 80 to 100.","taxTitle","Government and Veterans Affairs, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28892,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6278625,"Fargo Memorial Honor Guard and Veterans Groups Urge State Help for Cemetery Memorial Center",1373,5798000,7171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b&start=5798&end=7171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b/thumbnail_5798000.jpg","/articles/6278625/North-Dakota/Fargo-Memorial-Honor-Guard-and-Veterans-Groups-Urge-State-Help-for-Cemetery-Memorial-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278625-b98c4d46fab2ef6a8e7cb6522a7afbc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159130&Signature=Dvtv8d2TKGbWcTw545l5WCn46xMb~qeq8BHXFdJW7Vl9o4TtMb~hBtZn4N0w7MOPYf9EF6vIFu7~dqlQZwOLIOZO-nJhpA24PDCD8K61Oji7tzNS5wa8KtzT7ECi5rrBfn~J2qPNWKirKI7aHIY08HsdVjf-TxqlRBsCQiTULGabFxlGHRfbOZCa1g97~-cqtFYjLt6bofKmljGjXAutmZE5~Cfl64Snu5xpgpMBSGS1OwG39nXXF4OXgw9fVoU-85glCLNFJNNcSJ8Xj8TXueP~BTTuOkpu55bJiNkrRIKVxE8TwRizuP46hChb~YUeQDrWZyeUJXSuBjVrfcsH8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 2265, proposing a $3 million line of credit to support construction of a memorial center at Fargo National Cemetery, drew emotional testimony from honor‑guard volunteers, veterans and local officials at a House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing.

Senator Scott Meyer, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the proposed facility would include a gathering area for families, an exhibit gallery, office space for VA staff, restrooms, a garage for ceremonial vehicles and additional parking. Meyer said the proposed arrangement is that a local nonprofit would build the facility and, pending Department of Veterans Affairs approval, the VA would assume ongoing ownership, staffing and maintenance costs.

\"This is the key part: The VA would then assume the ongoing costs of owning, operating, staffing, and maintaining the facility,\" Meyer said, relaying the terms the VA provided during prior discussions.

Jason Hicks, commander of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, told lawmakers volunteers frequently perform services in winter blizzards and that the cemetery’s lack of facilities forces families and volunteers to wait in vehicles or stand exposed in extreme weather. He said the honor guard has raised roughly $1.5 million in cash and significant in‑kind donations toward the project but needs the state contribution to reach fundraising targets and begin construction.

Fundraising lead Jim Grolum said the group has nearly 300 donors who gave $500 or more and in‑kind gifts that bring the project to about $3.2 million in pledged support; he estimated total project costs including parking and site work would reach roughly $5 million. Officials with Vision Bank and the Tacoma Medical Foundation explained how a line of credit and fiduciary arrangements could be structured; Senator Meyer said the bill uses a contingent line of credit because the project remains contingent on VA approval.

Jordan Kanen (Kaneyainen) of the Industrial Commission said if the bill passes the commission would administer the funds in a reimbursement model typical of Industrial Commission grants and that the commission’s standard practice is a 50/50 match requirement, though the bill’s language leaves matching specifics to a later plan approved by the commission.

The committee did not take a final vote at the hearing; supporters urged the committee to pass the bill so the local group could demonstrate project funding to the VA and begin construction as soon as federal approvals arrive.

What happens next: The bill will be considered by the committee during the appropriation and budgeting process; state support would be contingent on VA acceptance of the local construction plan and on subsequent appropriation to retire any line of credit.","Witnesses told the committee that a $3 million line of credit would allow local groups to complete a memorial center at Fargo National Cemetery; the VA would assume long‑term operation if it approves the project.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6278630,"Committee Hears Pitch for $15 Million to Expand NDSU Research and Technology Park’s Robotics Program",1386,1833000,3219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b&start=1833&end=3219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b/thumbnail_1833000.jpg","/articles/6278630/North-Dakota/Committee-Hears-Pitch-for-15-Million-to-Expand-NDSU-Research-and-Technology-Parks-Robotics-Program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278630-4455d272d6153552bae65d3886f11bb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159130&Signature=YKfOeA6SJVGFSrjfjie50DCNAKeJSMdmTPcvfTHIo6JOOAZ8kv4dpnRG9FwkwrKR9vDaWHJnfypPPF9wHbZlyb5AJYRTedBQXTYbwX4mvECTPqXixA3OPZdWcTv-vhH~6IszdlgpiFmxktio2HNhuk4IskDQc~bZAu1ccfJpmrVK12napFuSjMs6Qm-1qTo7cqr44uZiRES3la~mEY~52i0PF9-Lx-~9JHt1xVidEhIoFm5mBDIHyoat8vtEAlaj2HjpwegWCgdD1Rjl-ImChcIl-53tshuSvLt-ST-tCvb5lVxqF-QPxmcUf1ZhmkLUR8204EBJGUBGDMbmoDOPlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 2256, which would provide state support for a new business model at the NDSU Research and Technology Park, drew detailed presentations from park leaders and outside partners at a House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing.

Senator Ron Sorvaugh, who introduced the bill, said the park is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit and aims to shift from an incubator model toward product development and scale‑up by partnering with Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center. \"They not only wanted to, but were very excited,\" Sorvaugh said of Carnegie Mellon, adding the plan targets robotics for precision agriculture and defense.

Brenda Weiland, CEO of the NDSU Research and Technology Park, outlined a plan to build engineering, product development and business development teams to produce hardware and software for industry customers and to spin out startups. \"We're going to laser in on intelligent, autonomous mobile equipment,\" Weiland said, describing the park’s goal to convert university IP and private‑sector needs into marketable products and to generate revenue that can be reinvested into the park.

Weiland and witnesses recommended a phased funding approach and said the requested $15 million would provide about two‑thirds of the resources needed to implement an initial two‑year plan. \"We are out actively raising additional dollars,\" she said. The bill would direct funds through the Industrial Commission; office staff from that agency told the committee the commission typically requires a 50/50 match for similar programs but the bill does not make a match an absolute statutory requirement.

Brig. Gen. James Clough (ret.), who led remotely piloted aircraft efforts for the Air Force, testified the private sector and major defense contractors often cannot move with the speed required to field some capabilities, and he backed the park’s plan as a way to accelerate delivery of technology to military users.

Jeff LeGault (Jean‑Francois LeGault), associate director of Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center, described his center’s history of spinning startups and said the Carnegie Mellon group would provide technical collaboration and ecosystem experience that could reduce risk and accelerate commercialization.

Committee members pressed on budgeting, the nonprofit structure and whether the organization should be required to provide a matching contribution. Weiland said the park’s nonprofit status enables speed and risk‑taking, and the park is already raising funds from corporate, foundation and private donors; she asked the committee not to require a matching‑fund condition that could slow launch. Officials from the Industrial Commission indicated the commission’s standard practice is a 50/50 match on grants the commission administers, but that the bill leaves matching requirements to a later plan to be approved by the commission.

No committee vote was recorded during the hearing. The bill has broad private‑sector endorsements but committee members raised questions about the state’s role subsidizing a nonprofit and about whether the appropriation should be spread across biennia.

What happens next: The committee will consider testimony, financial details and possible match conditions before deciding whether to recommend SB 2256 to the full House.","The Research and Technology Park told the committee it seeks $15 million for a two‑year plan to pivot toward commercial robotics development in precision agriculture and defense through a partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Engineering Center.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6278635,"Committee Hears Support and Opposition for Single‑Subject Requirement for Constitutional Amendments",1460,273000,1733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b&start=273&end=1733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b/thumbnail_273000.jpg","/articles/6278635/North-Dakota/Committee-Hears-Support-and-Opposition-for-SingleSubject-Requirement-for-Constitutional-Amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278635-4d3c289a042f170b2676f608b4df4897/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159130&Signature=fohVlHEhfdmeEgV6MRma31n~U2Le1v2~rMS1kYLes4oz1cpTe5NnBPRMUuo8xtHWQy1RWFpmkfs8Biuxzg~HdQ0Rwx2ZUmzTZAyf61rslZvAkYQTlJvNuM6N1kzs2V6ykUm-3bHuu4~PshBajHPchyGdvtqUaxKT-hs3giIT1LWiGzOnhYYEMeI1-Gl-ZsVaPiXKPRqQrMOKvG5G6N7SAGZXfXGG9mLgZak5KQDVUuLwJvbVp8OuiwZe9JX5~IBkGW-iSOeXcP2iBMNkR~pOfjwGX1wQFqpyrHPCanTvENM63jmGl2U4w1JrFSnX0du4dmdh~mdcYUTayNsHPhtwOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Concurrent Resolution 4,007, a proposed constitutional amendment to require each future constitutional amendment to address a single subject, drew both backing and opposition at a hearing of the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Senator David Hogue, R‑Minot, told the committee that the amendment would “limit a constitutional amendment to a single subject” and reduce what he called bait‑and‑switch measures that bundle unrelated provisions under attractive headlines. He noted other states that allow initiated constitutional amendments typically have a single‑subject rule and said North Dakota’s current practice — in which voters often see only a brief ballot summary — makes longer, multi‑topic constitutional changes hard to evaluate.

\"The majority of states that permit constitutional amendments by initiated measure ... do have a single subject rule,\" Hogue said, and argued the change would reduce voter confusion when long measures appear on ballots.

Former Gov. Ed Schafer, testifying in support, said lengthy measures with summaries can obscure substantive changes and urged the committee to advance SCR 4,007. \"A short summary of the legislation does appear but it can't come close to defining everything contained in the proposed amendments,\" Schafer said.

Organizations including the Greater North Dakota Chamber also filed written testimony in support, saying a single‑subject requirement would improve clarity for voters.

Opponents, led by Carol Sawicki of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, warned that single‑subject rules have produced thousands of court decisions elsewhere and could produce uncertainty and costly litigation in North Dakota. \"Single subject rules have been the subject of thousands of court's decisions,\" Sawicki said, arguing courts would be asked repeatedly to interpret what counts as a single subject. She also urged that, if the legislature advances the measure, it should be placed on a general election ballot rather than a primary because primary turnout is typically much lower.

Committee members asked how a single subject would be defined and who would make the call. Hogue said his proposal vests discretion in the secretary of state — the official who already prepares ballot titles and handles petition signatures — and anticipated that the secretary would consult the attorney general. Secretary of State Michael Howe testified later in the hearing that his office currently drafts ballot titles in consultation with the attorney general under existing Century Code procedures and that significant disputes over a single‑subject determination would likely end up before the North Dakota Supreme Court.

The committee later voted to send SCR 4,007 to the floor with a recommendation (motion carried 8‑6), after an amendment changing the ballot from the primary to the general election was adopted in committee.

What happens next: The resolution will be carried forward to the full chamber as recommended by the committee, with committee members and outside groups already lining up for and against the measure.","Supporters told the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee the proposed Senate Concurrent Resolution 4,007 would reduce voter confusion by limiting future constitutional amendments to a single subject. Opponents warned the measure would invite litigation and shift interpretive power to officials and courts.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6278616,"Committee Rejects Constitutional Term‑Limit Change That Would Have Applied Statewide Offices",728,8894000,9622000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b&start=8894&end=9622","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639467-56bfcbf8eb985b7552436e7d1b19456b/thumbnail_8894000.jpg","/articles/6278616/North-Dakota/Committee-Rejects-Constitutional-TermLimit-Change-That-Would-Have-Applied-Statewide-Offices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278616-8a5dd62ec093708ad67153e98e86f1ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159130&Signature=olfuR7lZcX3NO-RHUFscPJWp6Sv0ZKGEZlj31qe6MSaqAfU8XdlJe-tvK~0bCibHoQxZimEqTA~YFmoWaAbCKlEcJPZPjSJkd4KOxiGguG-7~SejAvpNOh6iSHpTUPYdyVFmls5MA0my2OHPHSNAGG01gqUFLu3pd-VnMXSiWnwVoO29avZI6Xd9ym7uJ4JXR07HiC2R5wSG1EJoUBC8sB~IQvBA5mcFT8MveHirkZ5dM~UOs1UNXOYSp-nxF-JhELuyPw5Ee1RSR-1wCn6qgq2q38jD-uc4g8v6XrdEB0~upOHv~fDzn9qkXFFa8gx-UUKkpmkqV8EHLCIKiNp2iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Concurrent Resolution 30 34, a proposed constitutional amendment that would change term‑limit rules for statewide offices, was discussed briefly in the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. Representative Greenberg offered an amendment to extend the maximum from eight to 12 years for the governor and lieutenant governor; the amendment failed on a committee vote.

Debate focused on consistency across statewide offices and on whether extending the governor’s allowable service would conflict with the goals of term‑limit proponents. Representative Eder said an eight‑year limit is common and appropriate because the governor’s office wields substantial appointment and policy power, while Representative Steiner and others argued former governors retain influence after leaving office.

The committee ultimately adopted a do‑not‑pass recommendation on the resolution, with members citing timing concerns and overlap with other proposed constitutional measures that could appear on ballots in the near term.

What happens next: The committee recommended a do‑not‑pass (motion carried 14‑0) and the resolution will not advance from this committee in its current form.","House Concurrent Resolution 30 34, which would have adjusted term limits for state offices, drew debate about timing and constitutionality. The committee issued a do‑not‑pass recommendation, with critics saying the measure should not proceed now while other ballot measures are pending.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Representative Proposes Allowing Annual Sessions or Longer Total Days; Committee Debates Tradeoffs

Fargo Memorial Honor Guard and Veterans Groups Urge State Help for Cemetery Memorial Center

Committee Hears Pitch for $15 Million to Expand NDSU Research and Technology Park’s Robotics Program

Committee Hears Support and Opposition for Single‑Subject Requirement for Constitutional Amendments

Committee Rejects Constitutional Term‑Limit Change That Would Have Applied Statewide Offices