North Dakota House approves measure to require 60% for constitutional amendments after extended floor debate

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, said raising the bar would protect the constitution from what they described as out-of-state money and special-interest campaigns. Representative LaForte said a higher threshold would ensure "constitutional amendments are supported by a broader consensus which can lead to more stable and enduring policies." Representative Schauer, chair of the sponsoring committee, urged members to move the resolution to voters, saying "If they reject it, they reject it. But let's have the people decide."

Opponents argued the proposal would make it harder for North Dakotans to use the long-standing initiative-and-referendum process. Representative Vista said the change "would make it harder for our fellow citizens ... to exercise the power they already have in our state constitution to make direct changes to that sacred document." Representative Van Winkle warned the change could "hinder and hamper the citizens from being able to make changes that they would like to change." Representative Schatz urged colleagues to preserve the current system, noting the state's initiated-measure process has functioned since 1919.

Representative Murphy asked whether school funding referendums already require a higher threshold; in response Representative Vetter said school building referendums require a 60% vote to be approved, a distinction cited during the debate as part of arguments on both sides.

The House clerk recorded the final tally as 65 yea, 28 nay, and the resolution was declared passed. HCR 3003 would amend provisions in the North Dakota Constitution (as set out in the resolution) and would go to voters for final approval if the measure proceeds through the legislative process and is placed on the ballot.

Supporters said the change is a protection for the constitution; opponents said it weakens direct democracy and risks insulating the constitution from popular will. The measure will now proceed according to the constitutional amendment and ballot processes already established by state law.