AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the designation and establishment of North Dakota Constitution Day.
House Bill 1479 creates a new section in chapter 1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code to designate October 1 of each year as North Dakota Constitution Day. The stated purpose is to commemorate the adoption of the North Dakota Constitution by constitutional convention on August 17, 1889, and its ratification by the people of the territory on October 1, 1889.
The bill is largely ceremonial and educational rather than regulatory. It encourages state citizens to seek greater knowledge and understanding of the North Dakota Constitution, but it does not create a holiday with mandatory closures, paid leave, or other operational requirements. Instead, it establishes an official observance date in state law tied to the state’s constitutional history.
HB1479 amends state law by adding a new statutory designation to chapter 1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code. Its practical effect is to formally recognize October 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day, which may be used by schools, government agencies, and civic organizations for educational programming or commemorative activities. The bill does not impose new duties, penalties, funding obligations, or changes to substantive rights, and it does not alter the constitution itself.
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House unanimously, 88-0, and the Senate overwhelmingly, 45-1, indicating strong bipartisan approval. The lack of committee transcript material or recorded debate suggests the measure was viewed as a straightforward recognition of state heritage and civic education.
There is little evidence of substantive contention around HB1479. Because the bill is symbolic and commemorative, any disagreement would likely have centered on whether the state should create another official observance or on the value of statutory commemorations generally. However, the near-unanimous votes indicate that any such concerns were minimal and did not generate significant opposition among legislators.