State Policy Resources
Nonprofit Advocacy: A North Dakota Toolkit is a 32-page publication that includes tips and tactics for advocacy and lobbying, information on the state legislative process, and state and federal lobbying rules. It is a great, inexpensive resource for staff, board members and volunteers!
North Dakota Links
NDANO works to strengthen and mobilize the state nonprofit sector’s public policy voice in North Dakota.
Did you know?
- North Dakota is one of four states where the legislature meets biennially in odd-numbered years. The other states are Montana, Nevada, and Texas.
- Legislative Session - In North Dakota, each regular legislative biennium generally begins the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. (fiscal bienniums begin in July of odd-numbered years).
- Crossover - Bills passed by the house of origin are sent to the other house for consideration and final passage.
- 80-day limit - Section 7, Article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota states, "No regular session of the legislative assembly may exceed eighty natural days during the biennium."
- Interim preparations: Studies from session bills and resolutions are prioritized and assigned to committees. Legislators are also assigned to interim committees.
- Appropriation and tax measures become effective July 1 of odd-numbered years.
- Nonappropriation and tax measures become effective August 1 of odd-numbered years unless otherwise specified in the bill.
- Primary election—An election held to narrow party preferences in preparation for the general election. Participants may vote for only one political party during a primary election. Candidates are also nominated for the nonparty offices to be voted upon at the general election.
- General election - An election to choose an individual's choice for legislators and other various elected positions. Voters may cross political parties during a general election.
- Legislative Management meeting - Interim committees submit a final report of study findings and recommended bill drafts to be introduced during the regular legislative session. The Legislative Management reviews and approves reports and bill drafts.
- The terms of legislators elected during the general election take effect on December 1 of even-numbered years.
- Organizational Session - Three-day session for organizational and orientation purposes in preparation for the regular legislative session. Organizational days are in addition to the 80 legislative days for the regular legislative session.
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