North Dakota House Bill HB1406

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report Pass: 1/24/25

Caption

The introduction of bills prepared by executive branch agencies and the judicial branch.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1406 would alter existing practices concerning how legislative proposals are managed and introduced in North Dakota. By setting a state-mandated deadline for executive and judicial agencies, the bill aims to level the playing field and streamline legislative workflows. Supporters may argue that this would lead to better-prepared legislative discussions, as all bills would be subject to the same timeframe, potentially improving legislative efficiency and accountability.

Summary

House Bill 1406 addresses the procedures surrounding the introduction of bills prepared by the executive branch agencies and the judicial branch in North Dakota. Specifically, the bill stipulates that such agencies are prohibited from submitting any legislative bills for introduction prior to the first legislative filing deadline established for legislators. This legislative measure is intended to create a more orderly process for bill submissions within the legislative assembly, ensuring that all proposed bills follow a standardized timeline and are subject to the same deadlines as those introduced by legislators themselves.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB 1406 appears to be mixed, with proponents emphasizing the need for consistency and transparency in legislative procedures. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implications of restricting agencies' ability to introduce bills at their discretion, leading to potential delays in urgent legislation. This duality reflects a broader debate about the balance between structured legislative processes and the responsiveness of executive and judicial entities.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 1406 stem from its implications for agency autonomy and responsiveness. Critics may argue that imposing strict deadlines could limit the ability of executive and judicial branches to respond quickly to pressing issues that require legislative attention. The bill could be interpreted as a move to centralize legislative authority exclusively within the elected legislature, thereby potentially diminishing the role of agencies in shaping important policy matters. As a result, discussions surrounding this bill could become polarized, illuminating tensions between legislative efficiency and agency independence.