Committee approves guidelines for use of legislative chambers and committee rooms

The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee approved guidelines governing use of the legislative chambers and legislative committee rooms during the interim and the session. Legislative counsel Emily Thompson explained that the legislative branch has first priority for chambers and committee rooms during session; when the assembly is not in session, other state agencies and approved organizations may use the space if they obtain prior approval. The committee approved rules requiring event sponsors to coordinate needs (janitorial, AV) with the Office of Management and Budget and to assume responsibility for damage and equipment care. Permanent displays in Legislative Hall and Memorial Hall must commemorate the legislative branch or a historical event of state or national significance and require prior written approval from the committee; non‑permanent displays are limited to 30 days. The committee approved two related motions by roll call: first, to adopt the chambers/display guidelines; second, to adopt guidelines for legislative committee rooms (Pioneer, Coteau, Cheyenne River and specified Judicial Wing rooms). Representative Bosch moved approval of the committee‑room guidelines and Senator Hogan seconded; both motions carried. Separately, the committee approved a request from the North Dakota High School Activities Association to use the chambers and certain committee rooms for the state student congress on Thursday–Friday, Nov. 2026 and the same days in 2027. The request was approved after a motion by Representative LaFore and a second by Representative Novak.