House panel hears repeal push for Sunday closing laws; amendment offered to protect worship time

Representative Matt Heilman offered a bill to restore significant elements of North Dakota’s former Sunday closing laws, arguing the statute would protect workers’ rest, family time and religious observance.

Heilman, sponsor of House Bill 1150, told the Industry, Business and Labor Committee he filed language from the earlier statute repealed in 2019. "It is important for people to rest, recover, spend time with family and to practice their religion," he said, and noted the bill contains numerous exemptions for categories of businesses. Heilman said he is open to amendments and indicated he has drafted a narrower amendment protecting employees’ right to worship if the committee prefers that approach.

Testimony and debate split broadly along lines of social and economic trade-offs. Pastor and community supporter Representative Holverson spoke in favor of the bill on cultural…