North Dakota House aims to bring back COVID-era remote participation rule • North Dakota Monitor

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.