North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HCR3020

Introduced
2/20/23  
Refer
2/20/23  
Report Pass
3/10/23  
Engrossed
3/14/23  
Refer
3/16/23  

Caption

Sessions of the legislative assembly; and to provide an effective date.

Impact

Should HCR3020 be enacted, it would change the current framework of legislative assembly sessions, allowing for a more flexible annual meeting structure. This proposal aims to enhance the lawmakers' capacity to address ongoing issues throughout the year rather than being limited to a biennial interaction. The shift is expected to improve citizen engagement and provide legislators the opportunity to address current events in a more timely manner, potentially transforming the approach to governance and lawmaking in the state.

Summary

HCR3020 focuses on the legislation regarding the scheduling and frequency of sessions of the legislative assembly. The bill proposes a shift to allow for annual meetings instead of biennial sessions, which may significantly alter how legislative business is conducted. Under the amendments, the assembly would meet an identified number of days each year, which proponents argue will lead to more responsive and timely governance. The bill seeks to modernize the legislative process to adapt to current administrative needs, streamlining the legislative agenda.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR3020 appears to be mixed. Supporters view the bill as a necessary reform to adapt the legislative process to modern standards of governance, emphasizing the benefits of more frequent sessions to keep pace with the evolving demands of constituents. Conversely, critics express concern that more frequent sessions may lead to increased costs and logistical challenges for lawmakers and their staff, with fears that it may dilute the effectiveness of legislative debates and thoroughness of decision-making.

Contention

Key points of contention in discussions about HCR3020 include concerns about the implications of annual sessions on both legislative efficiency and budgetary allocations. Some members worry that modifying the assembly's schedule may place additional fiscal burdens on the government and create challenges regarding the preparedness of lawmakers. Furthermore, there is a debate about whether more frequent sessions would genuinely enhance responsiveness or instead contribute to legislative fatigue and pressure that potentially undermines the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HCR3036

Sessions of the legislative assembly; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1408

Annually reconvened sessions of the legislative assembly; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2333

Annually reconvened sessions of the legislative assembly.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB88

AN ACT relating to sessions of the General Assembly.

ND SJR26

Proposing an amendment to the Oregon Constitution relating to sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

ND SJR24

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

ND SJR4

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2080

A licensed child-placing agency investigation and adoptive child placement; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.