Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
North Dakota House approves measure to require 60% for constitutional amendments after extended floor debate
Summary
The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 65-28 to send House Concurrent Resolution 3003 to voters, raising the required approval threshold for state constitutional amendments to 60%. Lawmakers debated whether the change protects the constitution or unduly restricts citizen-initiated measures.
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 65-28 Thursday to send House Concurrent Resolution 3003 to the ballot, asking voters whether the state should require a 60% approval threshold to pass amendments to the North Dakota Constitution.
Representative Vetter, the bill carrier, told colleagues on the floor that the constitution exists "to protect the rights of the minority from the mob rule of the majority," and argued a higher threshold would preserve that protection. He framed the measure as a safeguard that would make constitutional changes more deliberative.
Supporters, including Representative LaForte and Representative Kamin,…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
