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 HCR3036

A concurrent resolution to amend and reenact sections 7 and 13 of article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to 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 A1396

Provides member of General Assembly be referred to as Assembly Member rather than Assemblyman or Assemblywoman.

ND HB1408

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 54-03-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to annually reconvened sessions of the legislative assembly; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HJ29

Providing for certain Joint Assemblies, establishing a schedule for the conduct of business coming before the 2026 Regular Session of the General Assembly of Virginia, and providing for legislative continuity between the 2026 and 2027 Regular Sessions of the General Assembly.

ND HB1323

Reimbursement of members of the legislative assembly; and to provide for retroactive application.

ND SJR26

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

ND SB2319

A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study relating to periodically reconvened sessions of the legislative assembly.

ND SB2319

A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study relating to periodically reconvened sessions of the legislative assembly.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.