AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-02 and a new section to chapter 54-54 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the designation of the state waltz and state troubadour; and to provide for application.
Summary
HB 1397 designates "Dancing Dakota," written and composed by Chuck Suchy, as the official North Dakota state waltz. It also creates a new statutory office of state troubadour, or trobairitz, to be designated by the chairman of the North Dakota Council on the Arts for a five-year term, with authority to fill vacancies for the remainder of an unexpired term.
The bill includes an application provision stating that the first official state troubadour is the inaugural appointee selected by resolution of the 69th Legislative Assembly, and that future appointments under the new statute will occur at the end of that initial term. The measure amends the North Dakota Century Code by adding new sections to chapters 54-02 and 54-54, thereby formally recognizing these cultural symbols and creating a continuing appointment process for the troubadour role.
Impact
HB 1397 adds two new provisions to the North Dakota Century Code: one establishing the state waltz and one establishing the state troubadour/trobairitz position. The practical legal effect is limited to symbolic and ceremonial recognition, but it also assigns an ongoing administrative duty to the North Dakota Council on the Arts chairman to make and renew appointments to the troubadour office. It affects state cultural policy, official state symbols, and the statutory framework governing honorary designations.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly well received and noncontroversial. It passed the House unanimously, 92-0, and the Senate by a strong margin, 44-3, indicating substantial bipartisan support. The absence of committee transcript material suggests there was little recorded debate or public controversy surrounding the measure.
Contention
There is little evidence of major contention in the available record. The only notable point of potential discussion is the creation of a recurring state-appointed cultural office, which may raise questions about the role of the Council on the Arts chairman versus legislative appointment, but the overwhelming vote totals suggest this was not a significant objection for most members. Any dissent in the Senate was limited, and no committee opposition or substantive criticism is provided in the materials.