[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6363554,"mediaKeyId","2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a","parentId",2166139,"title","Committee hears bill that would bar government mandates for medical products without manufacturer liability","audioSeconds",3678,"startMs",4625000,"endMs",8303000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a&start=4625&end=8303","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a/thumbnail_4625000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6363554/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-that-would-bar-government-mandates-for-medical-products-without-manufacturer-liability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363554-6f4205319d653568967d7eea51091c4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191739&Signature=XEJEbN-ngZs0iTIv1Gi2xY8ZYipEySb7K5Ab7xqwUtUbakj7hBdvukVdqb~ZoHeNGDL5x0OlVdj-4ldoNIHH-ShmMBA5u7IbOM-eMvYYLJtaPuvAYRmntJnfl~eN5msKd9w1qxxINTmc9mwKujKbi-GY5ThcVuIaBb5D0XuaL~edQ6dvOHjdEJa7yW14CXUo0uWPDZww5CL8oCsQYH9H3ghGPtilC99ENb-KRj8Y2QzWpzO3qWRcUZGB4JhjvRpsc9lQv3qmOHnpzucqj3S~RBY8Av6XRTxhTmfqpnMJnaHFYFbFYP4NqvSwc11QYsxCSHYuR8wM6MdZ3pNObSXdpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Industry, Business and Labor, ND","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee heard extended testimony on House Bill 14‑54, a measure from Representative Donna Henderson that would prevent state and local government entities from requiring an individual to take, receive or disclose receipt of a medical product unless the manufacturer of that product is liable for death or serious injury caused by it.

Representative Donna Henderson, R‑District 15, said the bill is intended to ensure individuals are not forced to take medical products for which there is no direct manufacturer liability. “This bill simply states that someone needs to be liable if the medical product is forced on you,” Henderson said, emphasizing the proposal is aimed at mandation, not voluntary medical choice.

Witnesses in opposition warned the measure as written would have broad operational impacts across state programs. Sarah Acre, executive director of the Division of Medical Services within the Department of Health and Human Services, told the committee the bill could prevent Medicaid from using standard cost‑control tools such as step therapy and preferential drug lists and could conflict with federal Medicaid requirements including EPSDT (early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment) obligations. Acre said the department saved roughly $128 million over four years through pharmacy management practices that could be undermined by the proposed restriction.

Dr. Stephanie Gravening, correctional health authority for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said the bill could override statutory authority used to administer involuntary psychotropic medication to incarcerated adults who are gravely disabled or present a danger to themselves or others. She described a multi‑step, due‑process hearing structure now used before longer involuntary medication orders are imposed and said the bill would interfere with that public‑safety process.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and other state agencies raised additional concerns about investigative access to records. Marina Spar, director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the attorney general's office, testified that the bill’s wording — particularly a blanket prohibition on requiring disclosure — could hamper audits and investigations that rely on medical records and pharmacy claims to detect fraud or abuse. Spar said removing the disclosure prohibition would address her unit’s primary concern.

Public testimony included personal accounts. A remote witness, Alexa Johnson, told the committee she believes post‑vaccination injuries changed the developmental outcomes for two of her children and urged lawmakers to protect parents’ medical choices. University System, public‑health and immunization officials warned the bill’s “notwithstanding any other law” language could be read to eliminate existing school and childcare immunization requirements and recommended clarifying language to preserve public‑health authorities and data‑collection needed to respond to outbreaks.

Committee members probed how the federal National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (and separate countermeasures compensation programs) interact with state liability and whether the bill would unintentionally remove statutory authorities for child‑care and schooling immunization compliance. Assistant Attorney General Allison Hicks advised that the bill’s current phrasing could have sweeping effects because state law requires families to provide vaccination or exemption forms upon school and childcare entry; removing the ability to request disclosure could eliminate that practical requirement.

No committee vote was taken; members requested clarifying amendments and additional legal review. Representative Henderson offered to provide cleaner drafting to ensure the bill limits only government mandates and preserves public‑health and investigative authorities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Industry, Business and Labor Jan 29, 2025\t","oneSentenceSummary","BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee heard extended testimony on House Bill 14‑54, a measure that would bar state and local government entities from requiring individuals to take or disclose medical products unless a manufacturer is liable for death or serious injury.","taxTitle","Industry, Business and Labor, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28894,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363559,"Committee votes to recommend 'do not pass' on bill barring contracts with companies that boycott energy",917,3245000,4162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a&start=3245&end=4162","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a/thumbnail_3245000.jpg","/articles/6363559/North-Dakota/Committee-votes-to-recommend-do-not-pass-on-bill-barring-contracts-with-companies-that-boycott-energy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363559-3393ea40dbef80db309692763ab03e7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191739&Signature=FOTYNS6pwGu2QfiCg0pH8NDI2dNfnYHXAe10bDGy1aZCI3cSKe1mqOHPlprkp6O4I0F9ac~HszWarwFxtH~gROU2Sxqmp09VE4zsqk-zQC~e97I8rOiF59laBNA20KhPaVXkwQWoySgRHqOrhww5Wnk3GuyzgX7FWDvqjbx4DB4m8zcjbIR9AlL2~~-LGbBjzAux4Zm8Pb0MSzO8Nqd-MJ1IyLdtzO26jXXOxlv1dHxPkZEgBQ1mP22Gw94GdGEcRo6jaj0xG0pT0QZ7TdBQb1yQG9YvL1hq561cVuNDCwtMUPbluX-IwDdotg3s~~zlZBrij7KZmzqL7HyEtmq9Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee voted to recommend a do‑not‑pass on House Bill 1309, legislation that would bar state and local governments from contracting with companies that the bill deems to be boycotting the energy, production agriculture or firearms industries.

Representative Matt Heilman, R‑Bismarck, presented the bill as an effort to ensure state contracts align with North Dakota’s energy and agricultural industries. “The goal of this bill is to have contracts with companies that have aligned values with North Dakota and not trying to boycott key industries that are vital here within the state,” Representative Matt Heilman said.

Officials from the Office of Management and Budget urged defeat. Sherry Nees, OMB’s shared services division director and chief procurement officer, told the committee the bill would meaningfully complicate procurement and contracting, affect thousands of contracts and raise constitutional and liability risks. “This bill would further complicate the procurement and contracting process and impact thousands of state contracts annually,” Nees said. She warned the measure could create First Amendment issues and expose the state and political subdivisions to civil liability under federal statutes.

Jody Smith, interim executive director of the Retirement and Investment Office, said the bill conflicted with the Bank of North Dakota study and recommended against “blacklists” for investments or contracts. Smith told members the state’s investment experts and stakeholders had advised against creating lists that declare companies ineligible for investment or contracting.

The committee moved for a do‑not‑pass recommendation. Representative Shower offered the motion and Representative Grinberg seconded. A roll call was taken and the motion carried by the committee on a recorded vote; the clerk reported the tally as \"10‑0‑3.\" Committee members said the measure was well‑intentioned but risked significant procurement, legal and investment consequences for the state and its political subdivisions.

Representative Christie, who participated in previous industry discussions, cautioned that major technology companies evaluating North Dakota for data centers might not be driven solely by “green‑energy” policies and that the state should weigh how the measure would affect recruitment.

With the committee recommendation to report the bill as do‑not‑pass, the measure will not advance from the committee under a favorable report without further action by the sponsor or the full chamber.","The committee recommended a do‑not‑pass on House Bill 1309 after hearing opposition from the Office of Management and Budget and the state investment office, which warned of procurement complexity, First Amendment and investment risks. The committee's motion to recommend do not pass carried on a recorded roll call.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363562,"Committee hears bill to penalize employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers",2605,312000,2917000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a&start=312&end=2917","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a/thumbnail_312000.jpg","/articles/6363562/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-penalize-employers-who-knowingly-hire-unauthorized-workers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363562-f4791919cb5952a97e7f4214926552b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191739&Signature=GOEFk5sbwCKgjJUuH7teIEC~lb-1bByd~0KfUmEehTnqM2-L1-IaE331olDUnH0OXwYbswg10-JGHCKG91cux1kM9QD5i-MX0sUPIBfC-MxSIWdgWx-uOrgCyv6eF~Xt3axySz0ebv~nsOIPIOIPvvcH7ba2pxeMumUvBMs3s-8kR6WrFUdIIwD8jOPhu7m6djEeEcH7vwN4-I5JxIa2X~n5dzvjb4WziisgK0iwHJPGLa~7Xc6KlhL2MQ375Wa96-tl~PMUhm6W202Gl7mfiGqWfPV3mcQMT8m-O5cFE0pW8CjMI4soLsJhuElvq4~Fzy7ZWizUVh48H2ut95l91w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee opened a hearing Tuesday on House Bill 1291, a measure that would allow state enforcement and civil penalties against employers who knowingly hire workers without legal immigration status.

Representative Matt Heilman, R‑Bismarck, said the bill is intended to prevent employers from hiring unauthorized workers and to give the state tools to enforce that prohibition. “I don't believe that people who don't have legal status should be taking the jobs from those who are legal,” Representative Matt Heilman said while presenting the bill.

Heilman told the committee the bill uses a knowledge standard — prohibiting employers who \"knowingly\" hire unauthorized workers — and would direct the labor commissioner to investigate violations and assess civil penalties. He also said legislative staff should remove language that would have referred alleged violations to the attorney general for prosecution because the measure is written as a civil enforcement scheme.

The bill prompted questions about enforcement logistics, costs and overlaps with federal law. Zachary Greenberg, interim commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, recommended a do‑not‑pass, saying the department lacks investigatory authority, legal authority and capacity for immigration enforcement and that the measure raises federal preemption and discrimination‑law concerns. “Assigning immigration‑related investigation to the Department of Labor and Human Rights raises constitutional, legal and practical concerns that could lead to federal preemption challenges,” Greenberg said.

Business groups and labor organizations focused on specific penalties and practical effects. Eric Spencer, president and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, said the chamber supports enforcing lawful hiring but opposed suspension of business licenses as written. “When we think about suspending a business license, what are we suspending here? Is it the ability for a hospital to operate?” he asked. Landis Larson, president of the North Dakota AFL‑CIO, urged mandating E‑Verify as a preventive measure instead of creating new state enforcement.

Committee members pressed on several operational questions: how the labor commissioner would investigate, whether small sole proprietors and agricultural operators without business registrations would be covered, and whether the penalty structure — a $5,000 fine for a first offense escalating to $30,000 for a third — is proportionate. Representative Casper raised concern that suspension of a business license could be a severe first‑offense penalty given uncertainty about how an employer would prove termination of unauthorized employees.

Heilman said he is open to modifying penalty amounts and offered to file an amendment clarifying which enforcement authority would levy the civil penalties rather than referring matters for criminal prosecution. He also told the committee he supports providing whatever full‑time equivalents the labor commissioner needs to implement an enforcement program.

No formal committee vote was taken. Members discussed possible amendments, including clarifying the knowledge standard, addressing sole proprietors and agricultural employers, and considering E‑Verify requirements. The committee held the bill over for further work and possible amendment.

The hearing combined legal, administrative and policy concerns: proponents framed the bill as filling an enforcement gap they said exists when federal authorities do not act; opponents cited constitutional preemption, discrimination risks and the department's limited investigatory capacity. The committee indicated it will consider amendments that narrow enforcement language, adjust penalties and clarify administrative procedures before further action.","Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 1291, which would authorize state enforcement and penalties for employers who knowingly employ workers without lawful status. Sponsors and opponents debated enforcement resources, E-Verify, business-license suspensions and federal preemption concerns. The committee held the bill for amendment.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363544,"Committee advances advanced‑technology grant program to appropriations",515,9843000,10358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a&start=9843&end=10358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a/thumbnail_9843000.jpg","/articles/6363544/North-Dakota/Committee-advances-advancedtechnology-grant-program-to-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363544-7323c0292384038a314ee8b63a267034/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191739&Signature=gVXfwxYMZOHEqd7SPoixHn0NnRmu4CVYCwHhkD7~XaVb5EjOiSxmkUGUF2JkqLfWkD4xHBuIDEIv1D9oVt3iiZOFnOszDckBDDWpLvuU9N4gfNoYRPyMOj~cOFrwGQ0xXDguU1sxju6eG73B7zRXIg5Vf5yVTr9yK8i~Bd-aRLCxWLMDVhmx3oqyBFExFepABl8XwBt4YMIooIahjcke8tufgEARdJA86lCgaQzQIFoBi907kprTD57OeHAJoC-xWlxr76Q3oNNbRf3UX0xzshfAbXRWodOqcboK25wvR2ScWgU5ItKOnotuF3~NUgqoweiWKvUaywR3lUV6Av9Odw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee voted to report House Bill 1448 to appropriations after hearing from Representative Christie and others about a proposed advanced‑technology initiative to support early‑stage research, startups and workforce development.

Representative Christie described the bill as a targeted tool to attract and support high‑technology companies — including advanced artificial intelligence, quantum, UAS and agritech initiatives — that may not be adequately served by existing state programs. The proposal would create a five‑member advanced‑technology review committee, a grant program with post‑award monitoring and an initial State Investment Fund (SIF) appropriation to seed the program. The sponsor sought an initial appropriation of $5 million from SIF for the 2025 biennium and an automatic termination of the program unless extended by the Legislature.

Committee members discussed overlap with existing programs such as the LIFT Fund and the Development Fund, the value of creating technical review capacity on a new committee and whether awards should require matching funds. Representative Christie said the initiative is meant to complement existing state resources and to provide a rapid, technically informed review process to attract and retain cutting‑edge firms and startup studios.

A motion that the committee give the bill a do‑pass recommendation and refer it to the Appropriations Committee was offered and seconded. The committee adopted the motion and the bill will go to the Appropriations Committee for consideration of funding and further review.","House Bill 1448 would create an advanced technology grant program and a five‑member review committee to support early‑stage research and innovation; the committee voted to report the bill and re‑refer it to appropriations for funding considerations.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363549,"Committee debates bill to hold gold and silver in state portfolio; holds measure for further review",869,8730000,9599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a&start=8730&end=9599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2166139-eabdfcb3bee00837ae9418792d446f3a/thumbnail_8730000.jpg","/articles/6363549/North-Dakota/Committee-debates-bill-to-hold-gold-and-silver-in-state-portfolio-holds-measure-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363549-5806332aaf3f4bb0569941124bde27d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191739&Signature=FQU-wAtZlGUVhTWIm9abQqiVkkX6blTF5v7Cp1mVvhkINRldBiWVDLxHTwQGLtFJ0IDPVjD~oA2GbPK1I0OafjlkGY1R~YgDzty~4Fkwuir~FdCGjIrfFpjayWZNTm-ShvWGXbjD7ad2MfvXRRxU~Ec7aTGijIJEZ6~Mrbkkbgx-bil1hZd8Q8U8a6nNaE-dMJAyW~d0Lr52wpzLyp30TUetPNFPW3BJBFY~Y3PAmU-wlbIZWUtEPH~KymhZOVoj9IqvaW20nJprhpx8ZMYDz8lRAvlI3bHMK-dtIOdDO7r6cj-SmBwe6E4KH3TSuESZfkGW6ZiJx0RAqm-IjP3yiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee debated House Bill 1183, a proposal that would require the State Treasurer and the state investment board to hold physical gold and silver bullion in secure custody equal to at least 1 percent of state funds.

Representative Volmer said he would move a do‑not‑pass recommendation but acknowledged interest in the policy idea. “As far as I know, we are not waiting on amendments for this. This is where we would physically hold gold and silver investments by the state treasurer,” Representative Volmer said during discussion.

Opponents and supporters focused on practical questions: whether the state should hold physical bullion rather than paper or custodial investments; whether including the general fund in the calculation would create liquidity problems for day‑to‑day state operations; and whether 1 percent is a meaningful allocation. Representative Koppelman argued the requirement could be a modest way to start a diversification: “When you change your investment strategy, you don't move 40 percent — 1 percent is the gentlest of hands.”

Vice Chair Osterly and other members raised concerns about requiring physical custody and the risk of reduced liquidity if funds must be held in bullion across fund categories. Representatives noted the state investment board already has authority to invest in precious metals under existing policy and said the bill’s principal aim was to ensure the board acts.

Committee members moved toward a do‑not‑pass but the result produced a split outcome in the roll call. Rather than adopt the do‑not‑pass on the floor, members agreed to hold the bill over for additional consideration and possible language changes, including removing the explicit reference to the general fund or clarifying custodial arrangements.

The committee did not adopt final action on the bill and will revisit it when additional members are available and sponsors and staff can refine the language to address liquidity and custody concerns.","Lawmakers debated House Bill 1183, which would require the state investment board to hold physical gold or silver equal to at least 1% of state funds. Members raised liquidity, custodial and general‑fund concerns and ultimately held the bill for further review and drafting changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bill that would bar government mandates for medical products without manufacturer liability

Committee votes to recommend 'do not pass' on bill barring contracts with companies that boycott energy

Committee hears bill to penalize employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers

Committee advances advanced‑technology grant program to appropriations

Committee debates bill to hold gold and silver in state portfolio; holds measure for further review