North Dakota bans state officials from mandating masks despite governor s veto
The North Dakota Legislature may be the first in the nation to pass a sweeping prohibition on mask requirements imposed by the executive branch, though elected officials in a few other states have considered banning mask mandates in some form. Written By: Jeremy Turley | ×
Demonstrators gathered outside the North Dakota Capitol in support of a proposal to ban mask mandates on April 5, 2021. Jeremy Turley / Forum News Service
BISMARCK North Dakota lawmakers have overridden Gov. Doug Burgum’s veto on a bill that will bar state officials from issuing mask mandates in the future.
The North Dakota Legislature may be the first in the nation to pass a sweeping prohibition on mask requirements imposed by the executive branch, though elected officials in a few other states have considered banning mask mandates in some form.
Burgum signs bill to level the playing field for coal industry, receives award from Lignite Energy Council
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today signed legislation that provides tax relief for the state’s lignite coal industry as it continues to innovate for the future and supply reliable, low-cost electricity for residents and businesses in North Dakota and beyond.
House Bill 1412 exempts coal plants from the state’s coal conversion facility tax for the next five years. The bill is expected to save the industry over $20 million per year, freeing up funds to invest in innovative projects such as carbon capture and sequestration that will curb emissions and improve the industry’s long-term viability.
The approval of Senate Bill 2319 by House lawmakers provided some closure in a yearslong disagreement between the state of North Dakota and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation over tax revenues off of oil wells drilled laterally beneath the tribe's oil-rich Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
(Bismarck, ND) Governor Doug Burgum Friday signed legislation that creates common-sense liability protections to shield health care providers, businesses and others from frivolous claims related to exposure to COVID-19.
Those joining Burgum for the signing of House Bill 1175 included the bill’s prime sponsor, Representative Michael Howe, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Jerry Klein, and Arik Spencer, president and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber.
Burgum noted that North Dakota health care providers and businesses did their best to protect their patients, customers and team members through extremely challenging conditions and ever-changing rules and recommendations during the pandemic.