• Brass-Tacks
  • "In the Know" - Path of a Bill, PART 1

    "In the Know" - Path of a Bill, PART 1

    The North Dakota legislative process can feel like an enormous and intimidating machine—complex and overwhelming at first glance. If you’re wondering what happens after the flurry of bill introductions at the start of the session, let’s break it down step by step.

    Starting Point: Chamber of Origin
    Every bill begins in its chamber of origin. Bills sponsored by a Senator originate in the Senate, while those from a Representative start in the House. Once introduced, bills are assigned to a committee, a decision made by Legislative Leadership. Committee assignments are typically determined by the bill’s content or intent. For bills involving financial implications, fiscal notes often influence these decisions.

    The Hearing: A Bill’s First Public Appearance
    Hearings mark the first time a bill is thoroughly discussed. Here’s what happens:

    • The committee clerk reads the bill aloud.
    • The sponsoring legislator introduces the bill, provides an overview, and explains its background or intent.
    • The sponsor may call on subject matter experts or answer questions from committee members.
    The hearing then opens to public testimony, which usually follows this sequence:
    • Supportive Testimony – Those in favor of the bill speak first.
    • Opposing Testimony – Individuals or groups against the bill voice their concerns.
    • Neutral Testimony – If allowed by the chair, this can include state agencies or other parties providing objective information or analysis.
    Committee members can ask questions during any phase to clarify or explore the testimony further. Once testimony is presented (or time runs out), the committee chair officially closes the hearing.

    Committee Action: Refining and Recommending
    After the hearing, the committee begins deliberations. Members discuss the bill, propose changes, and potentially amend it. Once discussion concludes or a committee member feels they are ready, a motion is made on the action of the bill. The motion will contain a recommendation on how the committee would like to advance the bill to the floor. Below are the options that are voted upon:
    1. Do Pass – The committee supports the bill.
    2. Do Not Pass – The committee opposes the bill.
    3. No Recommendation – The committee cannot reach a clear consensus.
    A committee member is then designated as the bill’s “carrier.” This individual presents the committee’s recommendation to their chamber for a full floor vote.

    We'll stop here for now but we'll talk about next steps coming up!