North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2338

Introduced

1/21/25

Refer

1/21/25

Report Pass

2/21/25

Engrossed

2/25/25

Refer

3/7/25

Report DNP

3/20/25

Caption

Legislative districts; and to provide for application.

Impact

The implementation of SB 2338 is expected to have significant ramifications on the electoral process in North Dakota. By subdividing certain districts and mandating that representatives reside in the subdistrict they represent, the bill seeks to bolster the democratic process by ensuring that voters are represented by individuals who are closely tied to their communities. Additionally, the bill includes a provision stating that it will not affect the terms of office for any members elected in 2024, thereby offering a transitional period before fully delineating the new district boundaries.

Summary

Senate Bill 2338 proposes amendments to Section 54-03-01.14 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the legislative district structure in North Dakota. The bill stipulates the composition of each legislative district, affirming that each district is entitled to one senator and two representatives. Notably, it specifies that in certain districts such as Districts 4 and 9, these will be subdivided into subdistricts, from which specific representatives must be elected based on their residence in those subdistricts. This structure aims to enhance local representation and ensure that legislative voices correspond more closely with their constituents.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB 2338 mainly focus on its implications for district representation and electoral fairness. Supporters argue that by refining the subdistricts, the bill will allow for more localized decision-making and better alignment of elected officials with the interests of their voters. However, opponents may express concerns over the complexity introduced by subdistricting, which could confuse voters or diminish the cohesive representation of larger districts. Discussions in the committee meetings may include varying opinions on how this change aligns with the principles of equitable representation versus the practicality of electoral logistics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2343

State board of higher education policy; and to provide for a legislative management report.

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 HB1003

Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.

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 SB2393

The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1541

Budget section approval limits for the flexible transportation fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2016

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1001

Legislative compensation; to provide a report; to provide an exemption; to provide for application, transfer, and cancellation of unexpended appropriations; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2037

Legislative intent; to provide a penalty; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HB1218

The creation of the northwest area water supply authority; and to provide for application.

Similar Bills

MS HB4113

Marshall County; authorize establishment of Chickasaw Trail Tax District and to levy special tax within the district.

LA SB70

Authorizes the creation of cooperative economic development districts affiliated with Southern University and Louisiana State University in East Baton Rouge Parish. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

AL HB179

Baldwin Co., Bon Secour Landmark District, annexation of property in district prohibited by local law, exception, const. amend.

AL HB225

This bill would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to Baldwin County, to define the Bon Secour Landmark District within the county and to prohibit the annexation by local law of any property within the district into any municipality except under certain conditions.