Several Interim Legislative Committees Meet This Week

Interim Judiciary Committee 

Numerous Interim Legislative Committees met this week to dive into various issues that will be studied over the course of the next 12 months... 

The Interim Judiciary Committee held two full day meetings this week. Their topics ranged from civil commitment to ethics, charitable gaming, recreational marijuana and juvenile justice. 

• Civil Commitment Study – the committee received information on the civil commitment process. Committee members questioned what steps can be taken to create greater uniformity in the process across the state and inquired about available training. Judge Gion indicated to the committee that the civil commitment law is sufficient, however resources for evaluations and screenings are lacking.
• Red Flag Laws – Representative Karla Rose Hanson made a presentation to the committee regarding Red Flag Laws across the country. Hanson introduced a red flag law bill last session, but it was defeated. The committee had good discussion on this issue. 17 states have Red Flag Laws. 
• Legalization of Recreational Marijuana -  Luke Niforatos with Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) provided information to the committee on the impacts of legalizing recreational marijuana. He shared data illustrating what states are experiencing where marijuana is legal. His information fell in the areas of impacts to public health, fatal crashes, DUI’s, youth usage, potency along with marketing of marijuana products. Colorado for example is #1 in the US for first time youth use. The number of dispensaries in Colorado far exceeds the number of Starbucks and McDonalds combined. His presentation was very informative. Here is a link if you would like to view the stats and information: https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/committees/66-2019/21_5073_02000_1000_presentation.pdf
• Juvenile Justice System Study - The last part of the meeting focused on a Juvenile Justice System Study.  The committee heard from various stakeholders about their work with the juvenile justice system and recommendations for revisions to NDCC 27-20.  NDACo provided a status update on the Request for Proposals that was sent out on behalf of the ND Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group to obtain technical assistance for the study.  A provider of the technical assistance will be selected by November 30, 2019.

The Interim Legacy Fund Earnings Committee traveled to Fargo to receive public input on how to best use earnings from the Legacy Fund. Lawmakers created this committee during the 2019 session. The committee held two meetings this week one in the evening and another during the day to collect ideas from citizens. There was public support for increasing infrastructure investments for roads, bridges and school buildings along with increasing the state funding for schools and eliminating the state’s income tax. Advocacy groups pitched other unique ideas for tourism, recreation, research and various other projects. The Legacy Fund’s balance is at $6.3 billion, with earnings anticipated at $368 million in the 2021-23 biennium.  The Committee plans to travel around the state to gather input from citizens. Their next meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Helms testifies to interim committee

The Interim Energy Development & Transmission Committee received extensive information on gas production and the challenges in capturing and transporting the gas. Director of Mineral Resources, Lynn Helms, emphasized to the committee that major infrastructure development is needed to meet the production. He described to lawmakers that oil and gas production in North Dakota is “in the end of the 1^st quarter of a football game” in perspective to the longevity. Despite low oil prices, production is rapidly growing. He also drew on how technology changes are increasing production. A 2019 well in the first few months will produce 50-75% more than a 2018 well. Helms told lawmakers we have an enormous management problem with gas and the legislature has a role to set incentives to move industry to make investments in this area. A number of companies provided the committee with information on their investments and future projects.