[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":73},"mediaId",6278654,"mediaKeyId","2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147","parentId",2639179,"title","Game and Fish fee increase debated; committee delays action to gather more detail","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5891000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147&start=5891&end=5891","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147/thumbnail_5891000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6278654/North-Dakota/Game-and-Fish-fee-increase-debated-committee-delays-action-to-gather-more-detail","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278654-1edd457b0b2b6cf542a27fe40f1da042/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200562&Signature=VcdPTXCawwJcojPv8~JXVlT9I3kNi2kHD0bzco5F4a39Bh3x9EFn~HF9GiE6ycKEna2uB5U~IRv1d0DupmjwNA0Xn7AfBzbhKAimgpcqwxHZsYOpnQSbuKMs3rlTQ83cAdjObnGfkjrWVq58Qn1HUtNUm6fLLn2Ul84EmveKB2LO35~AMC508teNJeKaihT~9S0VA9h6h1n4m1sqh1raFXQrPI85A45ok64~MDX1~wyIhyWYSCKEj17cg4JBesxFOXCl8EV7rmizWwJMkpK3wlsv7NVlVlsXsKwFLfZnQiU-iNDACvGaCCtqels~XwgnOKNgvkAn9jlO-KvZMAxuJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-03-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard detailed testimony on House Bill 1470, a package of license and fee adjustments proposed to address projected declines in the Game and Fish special fund, but did not vote and asked department staff for further information.

Representative Glenn Bosch introduced the bill and said department projections indicated the Game and Fish Fund could fall below the statutory reserve requirement of $15 million by the end of the 2025–27 biennium if revenue is not adjusted. He noted the last license-fee change occurred in 2013 and that the proposed increases aim to preserve department programs including habitat and access work.

Supporters including the North Dakota Wildlife Federation and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers urged a due-pass recommendation, saying the department needs predictable revenue to expand habitat and access programs. John Bradley of the Wildlife Federation said fee increases would enable the department to lead habitat partnerships and leverage state and federal dollars. Brock Wall of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers emphasized recent habitat losses and rising costs of access and landowner agreements.

The department explained its funding mix (approximately 46% from federal excise taxes and the rest from license sales) and reiterated the legal requirement to maintain a $15 million ending balance. Director Jeb Williams also acknowledged that some low-use licenses in statute were being removed and that the agency had provided a draft amendment to correct a clerical inconsistency in the bill.

Committee members pressed for more detail on fee calculations, fiscal projections and administrative implications. Director Williams asked for time to review the amendment and consult internally; the committee agreed to delay action to a later date to allow staff follow-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Energy and Natural Resources Friday, Mar 14, 2025 8:56 AM - 11:17 AM","oneSentenceSummary","Senators heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1470, which would raise multiple hunting, fishing and outfitter fees to shore up the Game and Fish fund; the committee requested more information and postponed action.","taxTitle","Energy and Natural Resources, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28903,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6278659,"Committee recommends concurrent resolution naming Chuck Suki North Dakota’s first state troubadour",5696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147&start=5696&end=5696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147/thumbnail_5696000.jpg","/articles/6278659/North-Dakota/Committee-recommends-concurrent-resolution-naming-Chuck-Suki-North-Dakotas-first-state-troubadour","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278659-6c89531bf640e94bfa83ebd23a030aaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200562&Signature=Wh8iMxNW0mX283AGm9KS8kmWOr1127X8sWDQ7PsO6UsDsTqeM0aB3ufy1EldjHYvdQvuTG1VyUKtC2bv2pPnOWP5sRsWc68TR~KkyTMYAZjJB7sa5dLXypwkexUVGtGJ-OsN~8VqCwrHJ~F2epIF5hMDJyG2wO1hO5ONk1ZVEAFE6I00AwFydsaxZxwRwyqoa-fNBXZ6LkAdhx5mJYG46LWD3micMHbiKzFIInc0Z0O6yywMikY6dvbl624MdqtuTR7y47E8lEeFhP3hSEpqDMofzcoBrbR1qdIuDIgaUhRKZZJjUzGxNTZXEE2pnZrzPMTTze0RIw38TP9dBhf9lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recommended a do-pass on House Concurrent Resolution 3008 to designate Chuck Suki as North Dakota’s first state troubadour.

Representative Todd Porter explained the resolution follows recent statutory action to create the state troubadour position and to name Suki’s song “Dancing Dakota” the state waltz. Porter said that, by tradition, the legislature usually does not put individuals’ names in statute; this concurrent resolution accomplishes the honorary designation without altering code.

Committee members voted 7–0 on the recommendation. Senators discussed floor carriers and plans for moving the resolution to the full Senate; Senator Behm agreed to carry the resolution to the floor.","The committee gave HCR 3008 a do-pass recommendation to designate Chuck Suki as the state troubadour (five-year term) following a brief sponsor presentation; the resolution passed the committee unanimously.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6278664,"Committee backs measure to allow private-qualified instructors to certify retired officers under LEOSA",96,4748000,4844000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147&start=4748&end=4844","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147/thumbnail_4748000.jpg","/articles/6278664/North-Dakota/Committee-backs-measure-to-allow-private-qualified-instructors-to-certify-retired-officers-under-LEOSA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278664-df1ffefac9336f05fdbf34ff6f5863a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200562&Signature=GR9O46M6JD~WK9GYO~xe-2q86SzubtNp9Y0q9QcKsdHW7JhT6HoIZDKAvks0OcQwwAgIEdyn3bLR1ULw~-9lR5w3EyqT8rnoOvYUsCVGJg8FeReJ~yfEXli8NajXPB4VPfxA~el94s5eZqTlGMRzcIVT5lYSxUagOjbcXh95pFbX9RAtdDNxRP~lQlPCWDjI93ZzqFmJomPLj2KYM2jsbA95sRKeaCKeLuHHnO~~pi5QDZtStRaVijVCP-eDJwVNjDEprkAnCPe~x1aqlghIuUjYdI3tCabX47v3RWzv9KCcX69w6~d1byLV~ac73O1cSU0NouAziDjbUhYYG1o~Ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recommended a do-pass on House Bill 1589 to allow private qualified firearms instructors to administer proficiency testing required under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) for retired and separated officers.

Representative Todd Porter presented the bill, explaining that LEOSA allows qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed under federal law if they meet annual firearms-proficiency requirements. Porter said the bill would permit certified firearms instructors (approved by the attorney general) to administer LEOSA proficiency tests so retired officers who relocate or cannot return to their home agency can meet the requirement.

Support came from multiple law-enforcement groups. Major Trent Wongen of the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department said the measure would ease logistical issues for agencies and retirees who relocate; “This bill would allow concealed weapons instructors that are approved by the North Dakota attorney general that wish to offer this service the opportunity to do so,” he testified. Casey Miller, chief agent with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said BCI will create a consistent qualification and be the repository for certification records.

Senators voted in favor of the committee recommendation; the clerk recorded 7 ayes, 0 nays. The committee assigned a carrier to move the bill to the floor.","Senators recommended a do-pass on House Bill 1589 to allow approved private firearms instructors to administer annual LEOSA proficiency qualifications to retired officers, easing logistical burdens on agencies.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6278669,"Committee hears competing views on kratom; bill left in study form as stakeholders seek regulatory approach",2709,2056000,4765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147&start=2056&end=4765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147/thumbnail_2056000.jpg","/articles/6278669/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-competing-views-on-kratom-bill-left-in-study-form-as-stakeholders-seek-regulatory-approach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278669-ee971b154f2e376b4c044176efdbea26/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200562&Signature=kYmCbDL4VexZoHxfN2VjdTXn2WrGmHMVX7br83ulE4jTCS08CvlhubXilgvyd7byEKJeARhxScbxJm0Q3luB9Pg8eXZPI8BUuZrgn425aPC9KLfA41q0BCQhmS6lvTzYknjPzPISvmfwnlPyXbrV7xl7KdakiFn7C0HHnGAQUeqN5SGkDIHeIyVxyxNqbj---UFIjNAXkLdjZYHVy~zFw6Y1~2hikEBrgDq5LRNU42wFajGdMosqV16YVpOo8fyoODQD7CBXwfEpFRUJus4iLo1eU9qkNYMDsWOaooyfB49Ab3RgTZ8u4F8X7H23i~14K6MqHqdsX-ppw~rsVERxfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard hours of testimony on House Bill 1566, a proposal to create a regulatory framework for kratom products in North Dakota, but did not advance the bill; lawmakers left it in study form to allow further review and stakeholder work.

Sponsor testimony said the impetus for the bill came after a bill to schedule kratom as a controlled substance produced mixed evidence in another committee. Representative Dan Johnson (District 24) told senators that consumers, parts of the industry and some law enforcement have asked for regulation so users can know whether they are buying “pure, unadulterated stuff.” He also cited concern about a fiscal note attached to an earlier regulatory version that estimated eight full-time employees would be required to enforce the scheme.

Industry representatives urged regulation rather than prohibition. Scott Meske of the American Kratom Association said the industry wants “guardrails” to protect consumers and to prevent bad actors from selling adulterated products. Kurt Bramble, a former Utah state senator who helped draft Utah’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act, described the policy as a model that requires laboratory certificates of analysis, prohibits synthetics and sets labeling standards.

Opponents and neutral agency witnesses emphasized the complexity and fiscal impact of a regulatory scheme. Allison Hicks, assistant attorney general and general counsel for the public health division of the Department of Health and Human Services, said the department was neutral on the study but had opposed the prior regulatory bill because it had not been developed with the regulator and because the fiscal note reflected substantial administrative costs. Hicks recommended time for a careful, multistakeholder design process.

Representatives of the Global Kratom Coalition and the American Kratom Association asked the committee to amend the study into an enforceable Consumer Protection style bill; others urged study so North Dakota could draw on models from other states. Committee members stressed the need to “get it right” and allow the attorney general and agency staff time to review enforcement options and fiscal implications. The committee closed the hearing without action, leaving the matter in study form for further work.","Lawmakers heard extensive testimony from users, industry groups and state health officials about kratom and left House Bill 1566 in study form to allow further work on an appropriate regulatory framework.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6278674,"Senate committee advances bill to name Knife River Flint North Dakota’s official state rock after students testify",1089,685000,1774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147&start=685&end=1774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2639179-bd0285933b7d39368a90022ad0b2b147/thumbnail_685000.jpg","/articles/6278674/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-advances-bill-to-name-Knife-River-Flint-North-Dakotas-official-state-rock-after-students-testify","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278674-1527bddea1a812a3b7fca59fa1aa1e79/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200562&Signature=cXnMXBp370XIMVB2bPUmJfAQDPBTCs6VJTcakjw~OSHrZ~~dgtFU~bpJvI~0jj3fWNHoNBxzKSk~mOFD-t4uOIOZwVhY~3pSNH~4fqbHp2kAZ93u2FCwQpSpGn1YdF7gOJ13FMARuKJ6HNxyc6j8YH6I4a~MNH0e9UVfFffhywRdR7zqScSh2iiqtWt~jQIfp7gOK7NuHK37fIXMF1gPbWR0PTOZihxdQS2SeqsNyXEmL-U-ml5d~M1mbtY3gnPq~63SjMrXZ6dso9~AnhIHHOOx7~VbMwCVh8gFzW4TfsxolZCO-5WCzAmwTpLR~sx2caitZ4UMgFTcXJ6G2SBAng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously to give House Bill 1186 a “do pass” recommendation after hearing testimony about Knife River Flint’s geological and historical significance.

The bill, introduced as House Bill 1186, would designate Knife River Flint as North Dakota’s official state rock. Committee members heard a mix of student-led testimony, educational context from Dakota College at Bottineau staff and historical perspective from the state geologist.

Michelle Cawley, a natural resources and geology instructor at Dakota College at Bottineau, told the committee the bill grew out of a student civics project. “We had a school wide vote for the K–12,” she said, and the students researched several candidate rocks before 56% of voters chose Knife River Flint. Several Botineau Rockhound club members described properties of the material: third grader Anna Sand said Knife River Flint is “a hard sharp rock” useful for tools and making sparks; fourth grader Kaylana said Knife River Flint “is unique” and “is only found in North Dakota.”

State geologist Ed Murphy described the rock’s archaeological importance and the Lynch Quarry near Dunn Center. Murphy said artifacts made from Knife River Flint have been found across North America and that the Lynch Quarry has been recognized at the national level, noting it was made a national historic landmark in 02/2011.

After the testimony, Senator Beard moved a do-pass recommendation; Senator Van Oosting seconded. The clerk recorded 7 ayes, 0 nays. Committee leadership assigned Senator Van Oosting to carry the bill to the Senate floor.

The hearing record includes student vote totals and references to local quarries; sponsors and supporters emphasized the bill’s educational and civic-engagement value in addition to the rock’s cultural and archaeological history. The committee did not receive any opposition testimony during the hearing.","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 7-0 to give House Bill 1186 a “do pass” recommendation after students, educators and geologists described Knife River Flint’s geological and cultural importance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Game and Fish fee increase debated; committee delays action to gather more detail

Committee recommends concurrent resolution naming Chuck Suki North Dakota’s first state troubadour

Committee backs measure to allow private-qualified instructors to certify retired officers under LEOSA

Committee hears competing views on kratom; bill left in study form as stakeholders seek regulatory approach

Senate committee advances bill to name Knife River Flint North Dakota’s official state rock after students testify