AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to designating Knife River flint as the official state rock.
Summary
HB 1186 adds a new section to Chapter 54-02 of the North Dakota Century Code to designate Knife River flint as the official rock of the state of North Dakota. The bill is a symbolic designation measure and does not create a regulatory program, appropriation, or enforcement mechanism. It simply places Knife River flint alongside other official state symbols in state law.
Knife River flint is a distinctive North Dakota stone known for its historical and cultural significance, especially in connection with Indigenous toolmaking and regional geology. By naming it the state rock, the bill recognizes that heritage in statute and gives the material formal state-symbol status.
Impact
The bill amends state law by creating a new statutory designation in Chapter 54-02, which governs official state symbols and related recognitions. Its practical legal impact is limited: it does not alter private rights, impose duties on agencies or residents, or affect taxation, licensing, or land use. The main effect is to add Knife River flint to North Dakota’s list of official symbols for educational, ceremonial, and promotional purposes.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly well received and noncontroversial. It passed the House 89-1 and the Senate 44-2, indicating strong bipartisan support and little opposition. The vote totals suggest the measure was viewed as a straightforward state-symbol bill rather than a policy dispute.
Contention
There is no recorded committee debate in the provided materials, and no substantive policy objections are documented. The small number of negative votes suggests any dissent was limited and likely related to the general practice of adding official state symbols rather than to Knife River flint itself. Overall, the bill does not show notable controversy or organized opposition.