North Dakota Senate rejects year-round daylight savings time proposal

The North Dakota State Legislature convened for the 69th Legislative Assembly on April 7, 2025, where significant discussions centered around time zone legislation and water management issues.

One of the key topics was House Bill 1259, which proposed a shift to year-round daylight savings time, contingent upon similar actions by neighboring states and the federal government. Senator Wallin presented the bill, emphasizing the benefits of extended daylight for recreational activities and construction work. He noted that public support leaned heavily towards permanent daylight savings time, with many advocating for the change to enhance evening sports and outdoor family activities. However, despite these arguments, the bill faced opposition and ultimately failed to pass, with a final vote tally of 15 in favor and 32 against.

Another important discussion involved House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which aimed to study water management and the taxation of inundated farmland. Senator Lueck highlighted the need for better management of water resources, citing economic losses in agriculture due to poor water management practices. The resolution received support and was adopted, signaling a commitment to address water-related issues in the state.

Additionally, House Bill 1209, which directed the Department of Emergency Services to conduct a foreign adversary threat assessment, was passed with a vote of 40 to 7. This bill reflects ongoing concerns about national security and the need for proactive measures to identify vulnerabilities in North Dakota's agricultural and energy sectors.

In contrast, House Bill 1555, which sought to regulate foreign ownership of land and businesses, was rejected after a committee recommended a "do not pass" vote. Concerns were raised about the bill's effectiveness and the potential for better solutions to emerge from ongoing studies.

Overall, the session highlighted the legislature's focus on time management, water resource issues, and national security, with mixed outcomes for the proposed legislation. The discussions set the stage for future legislative efforts aimed at addressing these critical areas in North Dakota.