The North Dakota House adopted new conflict of interest rules Wednesday, but the Senate rejected those same rules in a split vote.

Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, said she proposed removing the conflicts of interest section of the Senate rules because she worried about the “erosion” of the Legislature’s authority and she believes the Ethics Commission is overstepping.

“I think we write our own rules,” Myrdal said. “I think we govern our own body.” 

The new rules were created through consultation with the Ethics Commission after the Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee finished its business during the interim. The rules were designed to promote transparency and provide a clearer path for lawmakers to recuse themselves from votes in which they had a perceived conflict.

North Dakota lawmakers discuss changing conflict of interest rules

“I would ask that we stand as a body and reject this and go back to the drawing table, if need be, but that we don’t allow another fourth branch of government with no guard rails and no oversight come and demand rules upon us that we have the authority ourselves to write,” Myrdal said.

The Senate voted to remove three sections of the conflict of interest rules by a vote of 24-20.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, said she is worried that state senators won’t have the option to abstain from votes containing a perceived conflict, which the new rules would have provided. Instead they will just leave the chamber before the vote occurs, so they don’t have to vote on it. She also lamented the Senate’s general rule that requires all lawmakers on the chamber floor during a vote to cast a vote on a measure.

“They don’t want to be in the position of having to vote when they know they have a conflict and are forced to vote by the rule,” Hogan said. “So, this is a dilemma. We’ll have to reconsider our actions.” 

She added she thinks removing the conflicts of interest rules to preserve the Senate’s authority will actually do the opposite and give more power to the Ethics Commission to adjudicate potential conflicts.

Hogan said the Senate can change its rules at any time.

The House of Representatives passed the new conflicts of interest rules with one change. Lawmakers with a personal or private interest on a measure or bill must have a direct, individual and unique benefit over members of the general public to be considered conflicted. Under the version proposed by the Rules Committee, House members would have only needed one of those criteria to have a conflict of interest that would require disclosure to the full chamber.

House Minority Leader Rep. Zachary Ista, R-Grand Forks, member of the House Rules Committee, said the one word change from an “or” to an “and” caused the House to “fumble the ball at the goaline.”

“We were ready to move forward with a rules package that was responsive to the need of better, tighter conflict of interest rules,” Ista said. “The change never came up for discussion in that committee and I’m very frustrated that a last minute floor amendment was put forward without debate, without discussion, without asking ourselves what it means.”

Lawmakers must say something if they believe they stand to benefit from legislation. Their colleagues then decide whether or not to allow them to vote on the legislation.

Previously, this vote had to be decided without debate. The new House rules would allow lawmakers to discuss a conflict disclosure before voting. 

The rules also require House members who raise conflicts of interest to provide sufficient detail about their situation so other members can make an informed decision. 

Other changes include allowing lawmakers to abstain from voting even if their peers vote to allow them to participate, and creating a grace period for legislators to report conflicts of interest to leadership if they inadvertently fail to report a conflict.

House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, said the rules package was largely in line with the recommendations from the House Rules Committee.

“During the interim, we had conversations with the Ethics Commission to further define what is a conflict and what isn’t a conflict … and it gives the House of Representatives the opportunity to become the neutral reviewer,” Lefor said.

Lefor also said he is planning to propose a bill that would provide criminal immunity to lawmakers who follow the House rules regarding conflicts of interest.

“A legislator should never be criminally charged for voting on a bill,” he said.

Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, was charged with a misdemeanor last December after the Ethics Commission referred a complaint to a prosecutor. A jury found Dockter guilty earlier this year of a conflict of interest crime related to his voting on budget bills for the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Health. Dockter is one of the owners of a building leased to those agencies.

Jury finds Rep. Dockter guilty of misdemeanor conflict-of-interest charge

Also Wednesday, the Senate adopted a rule that would exclude members of the public and lobbyists from the Senate floor 30 minutes before the chamber convenes. During that time, only lawmakers, legislative employees, legislative guests and properly identified members of the media will be allowed on the Senate floor prior to the start of the session.

Members of the public would be allowed in the balcony. They also would be allowed in the back of the chamber once the floor session begins.

Sen. Jeffery Magrum, R-Hazelton, said he was targeted by lobbyists during the 2023 legislative session with attempts to scuttle legislation he was proposing. He said he wanted more than 30 minutes to be public and lobbyist-free before the chamber convenes, but was willing to compromise.

The House did not pass any rule on Wednesday restricting the public or lobbyist access to the House chamber.

What if you could board a time machine to experience the past of North Dakota firsthand? In the center of the northern Great Plains lies North Dakota, spreading between vast expanses of prairies, rugged Badlands, and well-framed river valleys. The state’s rich history is found in its pioneering settlements, Native American heritage, and a strong feeling of attachment to the land, with stories still echoed in its small towns. These towns are special because they have preserved historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and even traditions so that they almost seem untouched by the fast rhythm of modern life. Each is a different window into an era of history, mixing historical appeal with scenic beauty. If you’re ready to see a quieter side of North Dakota, simpler in pace, here are eight towns waiting to welcome you.

Medora

The badlands of Medora whisper the Old West. Founded in 1883 by a French nobleman, Marquis de Morès, as a cattle empire, today you can walk into history with the Chateau de Morès-the 26-room summer residence of the Marquis that gives you a glimpse of the frontier life of the 19th century. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame continues to immerse visitors into the rich ranching heritage of this region with its display of artifacts and stories of cowboys, Native Americans, and rodeo legends. Beyond the historical treasures, Medora sits at the doorway of Theodore Roosevelt National Park-home to vistas and diverse wildlife. Isolation gives this small town an added character, making it a quiet retreat. From walking through conserved buildings to hiking through its wild, virgin landscapes, Medora promises an authentic journey into America’s storied past.

Walhalla

Within the Pembina River Valley of North Dakota sits Walhalla. Founded in 1845, it is the second oldest town within the state. One testament to this fact is the Kittson Trading Post; it is North Dakota’s oldest building. This historic site can directly look into the fur trade era for a trip back into the 19th century. Pictured just northeast of town is the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, which interprets the 1840s home and trading post of Métis leg­islator and businessman Antoine Blanc Gingras. These structures offer a look into the Métis and the early trading history of the region. Beyond the historic buildings, Walhalla is close to the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, offering virtually endless hiking and investigating one of the most beautiful gorges. The combination of history, nature, and local hospitality makes Walhalla a true hidden gem that whisks visitors back in time.

Lisbon

Built in 1880 by its founder Joseph L. Colton, who named the town after his wife’s hometown, Lisbon, New York, Lisbon falls on the banks of the Sheyenne River. This town has preserved its rich history through well-maintained historic buildings. One clear example is the Lisbon Opera House, built in 1889, which still runs various performances and events, showing the town’s cultural spirit. The outdoorsy will enjoy a kayaking or hiking trip down the path of the nearby Sheyenne River State Forest for a silent entrance to nature. Seclusion adds to the town’s charm, where people go for a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle activity of modern life. From historic landmarks to immersion in nature, Lisbon presents an interesting combination of past and present that makes the town yet another unpolished jewel of North Dakota.

Bottineau

Bottineau is called the “Four Seasons Playground,” partly because of its range of activities offered from summer into winter. Such attractions that complement the historic downtown of this town include the Bottineau County Museum, which features local history. Additionally, on North Main Street, the Bottineau County Museum contains memorabilia from pioneer families and artifacts that will allow tourists to recount the rich past of this region. The nearby Lake Metigoshe State Park offers boating, fishing, and hiking. Just a few minute’s drive away, Lake Metigoshe State Park offers more than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. This park has woodlands and wetlands and shelters a wide variety of plants and animal life that find a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. Whether it’s local history or the great outdoors, Bottineau should be on your itinerary.

Rugby

Rugby is a beacon to the past, sitting in the heart of North Dakota. The town’s mainstay is the Prairie Village Museum, which provides insight into the region’s history through more than 20 historic buildings and over 50,000 artifacts. Among those treasures is a ceremonial gown once worn by Queen Victoria, adding a touch of royalty to the collection. The other popular attraction is the Victorian Dress Museum, housed in the old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. It showcases a collection of 23 reproduction Victorian-style dresses, each fully accessorized to give an insight into fashion in the 19th century. Adding to Rugby’s unique charm is the monument marking the geographical center of North American interest that draws visitors seeking a connection to the continent’s heart. This combination of heritage artifacts, architectural preservation, and geographical importance makes Rugby an interesting getaway.

Valley City

Nicknamed the “City of Bridges,” Valley City feels like a town stuck in time. Founded in 1874, this tiny community has over a dozen old bridges, each speaking to stories of another time. The Hi-Line Bridge, built between 1906 and 1908, is an engineering marvel of the early 20th century, stretching 3,860 feet across the Sheyenne River Valley and standing as a testament to times gone by. A walk through historic downtown Valley City takes you back in time. Beautifully preserved buildings house boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes with old-world charm. One is The Vault Coffee Shop & Center for the Arts, housed in a restored bank building from the 1920s. All on the honor system, this self-serve coffee shop allows guests to have coffee and baked goods prepared locally among the original fixtures of the bank, which also includes the vault. It also hosts a space for local art and community trust that adds more to the town’s attraction. Beyond its historic center, the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway give the sense of stepping into another era.

Carrington

Carrington has something special for its visitors: a leap through time. The Putnam House represents early 20th-century life and is a 1907 Neoclassical American Foursquare residence. Once the home of lumberman and legislator Thomas Nichols Putnam, this facility keeps its original appeal and functions as a cultural center. The other architectural treasure is the Foster County Courthouse, completed in 1909; its Beaux-Arts design houses inside a rotunda with murals telling the rich heritage of the county. The Foster County Museum displays photographs, agricultural equipment, and records to help preserve the pioneer stories that shaped the town. But beyond the historic landmarks, the beauty or seclusion of Carrington lies in the nearby Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge’s 15,000-acre haven of lakes, marshes, and grasslands, home to more than 250 species of birds. This made Carrington a perfect balance of heritage and natural seclusion, a tranquil retreat, and a step back in time.

Devils Lake

Historical buildings and traditions, like ice fishing, represent a way of life that has stayed constant for decades. Devils Lake is interesting for both anglers and fans of history. The town, built in 1882, is named the “Perch Capital of the World” because of its abundant yellow perch population. Anglers visit the area the whole year. During winter time, a popular type of fishing is ice fishing. Visitors can participate in Ice fishing, explore its techniques, connect with Mother Nature, and relive the time of simpler days. Grahams Island State Park is located on the shores of Devils Lake and provides a perfect setting to engage in activities like camping, hiking, and nature-watching. The heavily forested areas and several miles of lakeshore create reclusiveness to enjoy nature. The Sivert Thompson Activity Center was built into the sides of oak trees and is a perfect facility with gorgeous views over the lake. Complementing the natural beauty of the area, Devils Lake’s historic downtown is full of shops and eateries like Proz Lakeside at the Cove, which is a testament to the town’s gorgeous lakeside views and natural beauty. Whether you cast a line hoping for a big catch or explore the serene trails of Grahams Island, Devils Lake provides a tranquil retreat that feels untouched by time.

Small towns frozen in time, like in North Dakota, allow you to be much more than a witness to the past. History is retained in communities not just through museums but in the rhythm of daily life, architecture, and traditions that stay the same. From the rough beauty of Medora down to the peaceful prairies of Walhalla, every town has a fable of survival and continuity. This heritage landmarks-from Rugby’s Victorian-era dress collections to the timeless storefronts of Devils transport visitors back in time; the seclusion of places such as Carrington and Bottineau creates a feeling of stepping away from modernity. The frozen-in-time towns of North Dakota are far more than destinations-they are time capsules that breathe, reminding visitors of the beauty and value of preserving the past. Whether it’s history, solitude, or a connection to an endless way of life you’re after, these towns offer something real and timeless.

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.