Legislative Update - Week 16

Week Sixteen North Dakota Legislative Assembly Update

Legislative Update – Week 16
There were hopes that today would be the end of the 2015 legislative session, but due to filing of delayed bill 1476 regarding oil extraction taxes those hopes are dashed. The details of the bill are constantly evolving, but it is ultimately a tax reduction for oil companies. It passed the house on Monday. The Senate made numerous amendments in committee, three floor amendments were proposed and failed on the floor, and the bill ultimately passed the Senate yesterday. Now the House and Senate need to reconcile the differences and vote again. You can read more about the process here.


The bills NDWN followed closely have met their fate. You can see the full list in the tracking grid.
We are pleased the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Bill, SB 2284, with $250,000 funding has been signed by the Governor.
State policy for state employee family leave has been improved this legislative session. HB 1244 and HB 1387 allow state employees to use up to six weeks of earned sick leave for birth or adoption of a child.
The bill requiring reasonable accommodations for pregnant women, HB 1463, was also signed by the Governor.

Every bill associated with Human Trafficking has passed nearly unanimously during the 2015 Legislative Session.

Because of many scheduling conflicts over the next few weeks, we won’t be hosting videoconference updates. We will hold a final wrap up of the session in short order and let you know as soon as we schedule it. Be sure to watch the legislature closely, things can change quickly.

Next Friday, May 1st, is Feminist First Friday. Be sure to save the date. We’ll send the details on Monday and you can check our events page at www.ndwomen.org as well.