Members of the North Dakota House of Representatives may be able to participate in meetings and vote remotely if a recommended rule change is passed by the full chamber. 

The House Rules Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously to give the speaker of the House authority over whether lawmakers can participate remotely during floor sessions or committee meetings.

North Dakota Speaker of the House Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, who was elected to lead the chamber Monday, introduced the rule during the meeting and said members are going to need adequate reasoning to use the remote option.

“Currently, there is no remote participation and I’m, frankly, a believer in that, but there are circumstances where that may necessitate someone being allowed to participate remotely,” Weisz said.

He added going to a wedding, or a conference, would not be a good enough excuse to warrant remote participation. If a member broke a leg and was unable to make it onto the floor physically, he said, that situation could warrant remote attendance.

The change to the House rule adds “a member may not participate on the floor remotely unless the Speaker has determined circumstances dictate remote participation is necessitated.” 

The Senate already has a rule to allow remote participation. 

Emily Thompson, legal division director for the Legislative Council, said remote participation rules were put into place in both chambers as part of the 2021 legislative session during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the House’s rules expired before the 2023 session. She said the Senate has continued to operate under similar rules, but the remote participation authority resides with the Senate majority leader.

Thompson said the House speaker’s authority would also be needed for remote participation in committee meetings during the session.

The House and Senate will each vote on rule changes Wednesday. 

House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, said the Legislature has the technology and the ability to conduct remote participation for its members, but also believes remote access should be used sparingly.

“It better be a really good reason,” Lefor said. 

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – An investigation by the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s office into Burleigh County Auditor and Treasurer Mark Splonskowski has identified a possible violation of the Hatch Act.

The investigation is centered around a group text message acquired by Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer from Splonskowski’s personal phone during work hours advising 66 other people to not vote for Burleigh County Commissioner Brian Bitner.

“The body of the text read, ‘I’m just letting you know from the perspective of being the county auditor for a year and a half, please do not vote for Brian Bitner for County Commissioner. If you want more details as to why, let me know. Also, let your friends know too. Thanks,‘” said Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer.

Lawyer said if Splonskowski is found guilty of a Hatch Act violation by the Federal Office of Special Council, the county commission would lose twice that employee’s annual salary in federal grant funds. She also said that as an elected employee, Splonskowski cannot be fired for a Hatch Act violation.

We reached out to Splonskowski for comment and have not heard back yet.

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BISMARCK — A total 26,040 gallons of crude oil was lost in North Dakota after an explosion in Williams County on Friday, Nov. 29, and a leak in Bottineau County on Saturday, Nov. 30.

According to a Monday release from the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division, approximately 17,640 gallons of oil was spilled after a tank operated by Hess Corp. exploded about 6.8 miles south of Ray in Williams County.

A total of 126 gallons have since been recovered. The site also lost 2,520 gallons of produced water and recovered 126 gallons.

The next day, a tank overflow about 6.6 miles northwest of Maxbass in Bottineau County led to a 8,400-gallon oil spill, half of which have since been recovered.

The site, operated by Scout Energy Corp., also lost 3,360 gallons of produced water and recovered three-quarters, according to the release.

A total 5,880 gallons of produced water were spilled between the two incidents and 2,646 gallons have been recovered. Around 4,326 gallons of oil have been recovered in total.

Clean up efforts are underway, according to the release.

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