House of Representatives recesses for State of the State; excuses absent members

The North Dakota House of Representatives recessed until 1 p.m. to convene a joint State of the State address and excused absent members as the chamber opened a session of the 69th Legislative Assembly.

Roll call showed 86 members present and eight absent, establishing a quorum, the chief clerk reported. "Roll call shows 86 present and 8 absent. A quorum is present," the clerk said.

The procedural actions set the chamber's immediate schedule. Representative Bosch moved to excuse the absent members; the motion was seconded and "Motion carries," the speaker declared. Representative Bosch then moved that the House take up the ninth order of business and, at its conclusion, "stand in recess until 1 PM, at which time the House will meet in joint session with the Senate for the State of the State address. And after the joint session, the House will stand adjourned until 12:30 PM on Friday, January 20, 2025," the motion said. The speaker put the motion to a voice vote and announced the motion carried.

Members used the announcements period to schedule committee business. Representative Olson said, "The full House Appropriations Committee will meet tomorrow morning in the Rough Bridal Room at 8:45." Representative Hedlund announced, "House Finance and Tax will meet tomorrow morning at 9:30 in 327 B." Representative Klamine said, "House Judiciary Committee will meet tomorrow morning at 8:45; I think we are also in 327 B." The chief clerk added that "the House A committees will meet in the House conference room at 3 PM today."

The chamber recessed to allow the joint session for the governor's State of the State address and to carry out the schedule set by the motions. The speaker formally declared, "The house stands in recess until 1 pm for the state of the state address."