69th Legislative Assembly: GNDC Highlights for Week 1 Kickoff

As the new year begins, GNDC is more than excited—we're double pumped! The 69th Legislative Assembly is here, and our pencils are sharpened to tackle this session head-on. For 100 years, GNDC has paced the halls of the Capitol, advocating for policies that create a thriving, competitive business climate in North Dakota. Legislative sessions define our state’s future, and we’re ready to ensure North Dakota remains a beacon for innovation, growth, and opportunity.

Follow along with us as we provide weekly insights on bills that matter to business, legislative lingo, and bill breakdowns.

SESSION OVERVIEW
The legislative session is a fast-paced, intense time filled with critical decisions. Here's a snapshot of what to expect:

• Duration: The session spans up to 80 days, with each day counted only when the chambers convene for legislative actions. Days are strategically saved for special situations or unexpected needs.
• Legislators: A total of 141 representatives and senators fill the Capitol, representing every corner of the state. Each district is represented by two House members and one senator (except Districts 4 and 9, which have subdivided areas A and B).
• Legislative Process: Every bill introduced is assigned to a committee for a hearing, followed by a floor vote. The session divides into three distinct periods:
  • Period 1: Committee work is done on introduced bills before the chamber debates and votes.
  • Period 2: Passed bills cross over to the other chamber to be worked on before being voted on.
  • Period 3: Conference committees resolve differences between the chambers.
  • This structured approach ensures every piece of legislation is thoroughly examined and debated.

WEEK 1: 
Governor’s State of the State Address
The week begins with Governor Armstrong’s highly anticipated address. This isn’t a summary of the past year—it’s a mood-setter, outlining priorities for the session from the perspective of the Executive Branch. This was Gov Armstrong's first State of the State. We liked the themes related to workforce and business climate that emerged: state’s strong economic climate, workforce development, and tax reform. We look forward to working with this administration - when we lost count of the times he said "pro-business policy" we felt good.

Committee Work Begins
The first week will also focus on procedural activities and orientation. State agencies will present legislative requests, examine the Governors' budgets, providing insight into proposed appropriations and programmatic changes. These overviews set the stage for the months ahead. GNDC is particularly focused on presentations from:

• Department of Commerce
• Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI)
• Job Service North Dakota (JSND)
• ND Housing Finance Agency (HFA)

Key Legislation on GNDC’s Radar
While much of the action is still ramping up, some bills have already caught our attention. Not to get all holiday on you, but we are like Santa - we are making a list. For example, HB 1036 establishes a Division of Apprenticeship within the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights to support and expand the federal apprenticeship system statewide - that's on our NICE list. On our naughty list, HB 1114 related to regulation of insurance coverage specific to insulin. We don't like increased insurance costs, administrative burdens, or cost shifting.

GNDC'S ROLE
GNDC’s advocacy team will monitor every legislative development, offering insights and taking a stand on policies that impact the business community. From tracking bills to testifying at hearings, we’re here to ensure North Dakota remains a top choice for businesses.

Stay tuned for weekly updates and special events like our Legislative Halftime Report. Together, we’ll make sure this session sets the tone for continued success in our state.