Grand Forks legislator Landon Bahl has proposed House Bill 1408 that would change North Dakota’s Legislature from a biennial to an annual session. Bahl believes this shift would modernize the lawmaking process and improve efficiency in government. If passed, the bill would maintain the 80-day limit by distributing the days over two years starting in 2027. Bahl argues that annual sessions would allow for more timely decision-making and attract high-quality legislative candidates, making public service more accessible.
During a Senate State and Local Government Committee meeting, Bahl emphasized the need to improve the responsiveness of the legislative process and make it more diverse and representative. Some concerns were raised by opponents, such as Scott Hanebutt from the North Dakota Farm Bureau, who believes annual sessions could increase state spending and limit farmers’ involvement in the Legislature. Others, like Rep. Scott Louser, testified in favor of the proposal, highlighting the need for creative thinking and the mental fatigue experienced by legislators during the current lengthy sessions.
The bill has already passed in the House and is now moving through the Senate process. While some lawmakers expressed doubts about the proposed change, others, like South Dakota Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, provided neutral testimony outlining the benefits of an annual legislative schedule in their state. The debate continues as legislators weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this significant shift in North Dakota’s lawmaking process.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
