Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the State Constitution Day topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House Ag Committee backs bill to designate Oct. 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day
Summary
The House Agriculture Committee voted to give House Bill 1479 a "do pass" recommendation after brief testimony supporting a statutory designation to mark the date voters ratified the state constitution.
Chairman Matthew Belz presided over the House Agriculture Committee hearing that moved House Bill 1479 forward with a committee "do pass" recommendation after testimony from the bill sponsor and two supporters.
Representative Karen Carls, sponsor of House Bill 1479, told the committee the bill would put into state law a yearly designation of Oct. 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day. "For the record, I'm Representative Karen Carls. I represent District 35 in Bismarck," Carls said as she introduced the measure and handed out a copy of the proclamation that the governor currently issues by request.
The bill's supporters described civic-education motivations. Brian Peckel, an outreach specialist who identified himself as a former social-studies teacher, told the committee North Dakota's constitution is longer and more frequently amended than the federal Constitution and said civic proficiency in classrooms is declining. "Perhaps this bill recognizing our state constitution can constitute a small first step towards increasing civics awareness in our own state," Peckel said, urging a "do pass" recommendation.
Eric Spencer, president and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, said his organization supports the bill and will use the observance to highlight civic engagement and voter participation.
Representative Twite moved a "do pass" recommendation and the motion was seconded. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed on the committee vote. The committee named Representative Dwight (carrier listed during the committee action) to carry the bill to the floor.
The bill would codify a day already observed by gubernatorial proclamation, making the observance part of state statute rather than an annual executive request. Committee members asked no technical questions about implementation, and no fiscal note or appropriation was attached at the hearing.
Representative Carls closed by thanking the committee; the measure now moves forward with the committee's positive recommendation.
