North Dakota governor partly vetoes bill to restrict state college ties with abortion providers
Many in the North Dakota University System say the bill is an affront to the First Amendment and academic freedom. 11:02 am, May 8, 2021 ×
North Dakota State University nursing professor Molly Secor-Turner stands next to her father, plant pathology professor Gary Secor, at a rally on April 22, 2021, opposing legislation aimed at an NDSU sex education program Secor-Turner oversees. Alyssa Goelzer / The Forum
BISMARCK Gov. Doug Burgum partially vetoed a bill late Friday, May 7, that aims to restrict North Dakota universities from partnering with abortion providers or supporters.
Burgum vetoed the part of Senate Bill 2030 that would penalize any of the state s 11 colleges and universities $2.8 million for such a partnership. He also nixed the portion of the bill that said a person who signs a contract with an abortion-supporting group would be criminally charged
The 67th legislative Assembly has finally come to a close. When looking back at the last 76 days, there were many historic accomplishments and policy enactments of which the people of North Dakota can be proud.
The Legacy Funds purpose was enhanced and further defined this legislative session. We passed legislation requesting the State Investment Board to invest at least 20% of our Legacy Fund principal right here in North Dakota. In addition, we passed a historic $680 million bonding package that will be used to finance infrastructure projects around the state. From highways and bridges in the west, to flood control projects in the east, this legislation will impact every North Dakotan. By using the Legacy Fund to finance these bonds, these infrastructure projects will be completed at no cost to the taxpayers. We elevated our utilization of the Legacy Fund to grow and diversify our economy now, while preserving the fundâs principal for generations to come.
Regulators irked after lawmakers don t make North Dakota rail inspection program permanent
“There’s a lot literally a lot of moving parts on a train, and there’s a lot that can be missed,” said North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak. Written By: Adam Willis | ×
National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt views damaged oil cars after a BNSF train accident in 2013 in Casselton, N.D. National Transportation Safety Board / Special to The Forum
BISMARCK The North Dakota Legislature’s decision not to make permanent a railroad inspection
program that has identified
thousands
of train and track defects in the last six years remains a rub for state regulators who view its inspections as a safety
“There’s a lot literally a lot of moving parts on a train, and there’s a lot that can be missed,” said North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak.
JAMES MacPHERSON
Associated Press
The 2021 North Dakota Legislature reached its finale early Friday in a session marked by a record-high state budget, the first expulsion of a lawmaker and coronavirus pandemic protocols.
Lawmakers adjourned sine die at 12:26 a.m. Friday with approval of the spending bill for the Office of Management and Budget, which also serves as the Legislatureâs last-minute catchall measure.
Thursday was Day 76 for the Legislature, just short of the 80-day maximum set by the North Dakota Constitution. The Legislature will use the remaining days later in the year to approve new legislative districts.
The Republican-led Legislature has passed record-setting budgets in most of the past several sessions, but the spending plan for the next two-year budget cycle is particularly eye-popping, due in part to federal coronavirus aid.