[{"_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",6119193,"mediaKeyId","2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047","parentId",2713843,"title","Committee pauses outfitter licensing changes amid questions over exam frequency and online testing","audioSeconds",715,"startMs",3432000,"endMs",4147000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047&start=3432&end=4147","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047/thumbnail_3432000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6119193/North-Dakota/Committee-pauses-outfitter-licensing-changes-amid-questions-over-exam-frequency-and-online-testing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119193-31beb0e35340b644d189d423a0156f9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161470&Signature=Yy832OsgCINQgPqhMGzESJyMeT~6~lGWBT8EIxUmF2n1GcgjaWvUtzT2sUpmaKV5sbt6hA4TYCDe-oBtgsIbS8KdTJzIMTs10ORsWKCxrDvlQstvPrYssvg~c1OgbNYUttYes2AiPkBXYQbCNGk-8ZXarLbOwDBtuvwIukhZk2WCW0ei9iNeL~shEsr58eGrdHWek37n8Jmz4QtH3mfgfb-txebQfGtKSarpjMarr-P1E7awOuKtM59NRnYiYimWwyDGLCnamnfDCl5dhmV5MGjRHgMjtl~ITPptWhTjPabrDinbj72iZWmvxbbCIyAbQVRFvft5XNbh0Yo1MnYaZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-03-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee set aside House Bill 14 70 after extended questioning about how the Game and Fish Department administers outfitter and guide examinations and whether the statute’s 90‑day restriction should be modified or an electronic testing option introduced.

Issue summary: Current law requires the director to “administer examinations at least twice a year” and contains language that “an examination may not be given within 90 days after the previous examination.” The committee considered department‑proposed language that would allow the director discretion to administer examinations outside that 90‑day window in cases of demonstrated hardship. The change was offered after a specific situation in which an outfitter’s prospective guide needed testing within the 90‑day period to meet a booked hunting season.

Department testimony and operational constraints: Scott Winkelman (Chief, Game and Fish) explained the department updated administrative rules to allow electronic administration but has not implemented an online test because the vendor solutions the department evaluated were costly and the agency does not charge a test fee. He said the department generally offers the examination twice a year at set dates in Bismarck, with roughly 10–25 test takers per session, and that the test is open‑book, typically multiple choice, two hours long, and requires an 80% passing score. Winkelman said the department could administer tests more often under current law provided tests are at least 90 days apart, and that the proposed amendment would permit exemptions for “undue hardship” so the department could accommodate urgent cases.

Options discussed by senators: Committee members proposed several alternatives during questioning — remove or reduce the 90‑day restriction, adopt a fee for retakes to discourage repeated attempts, expand scheduled tests to other locations or times, or implement an online testing platform that charges per test. Game and Fish said an online testing platform is possible and that the department changed rules to permit it; the department is researching solutions that would not impose large costs on the state or trainees. Winkelman said the department is open to providing extra tests when justified and that the amendment language allowing discretion for hardship would solve the recent unique case.

Outcome: Committee members agreed more work is needed. Senator Van Oosting said the bill should be set aside so stakeholders can continue to develop workable language with Game and Fish. The bill was not advanced at this hearing; committee members asked staff and the department to continue discussions on potential language, electronic testing logistics, and whether legislative authority is needed for any test fee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Energy and Natural Resources Thursday, Mar 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers set aside House Bill 14 70 after an extended discussion with Game and Fish about the statute that governs outfitter and guide examinations, the department’s 90‑day restriction between exams, and plans to move to an electronic testing option.","taxTitle","Energy and Natural Resources, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28903,"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},6119199,"Committee backs bill allowing Agriculture commissioner to hold easements and earn interest on mitigation fund",1061,2301000,3362000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047&start=2301&end=3362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047/thumbnail_2301000.jpg","/articles/6119199/North-Dakota/Committee-backs-bill-allowing-Agriculture-commissioner-to-hold-easements-and-earn-interest-on-mitigation-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119199-bbf4ca46b1f1fb11aa3eadda24bf71a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161470&Signature=Woyb1aACEXlcTfT811Avdtkz6qNA8eXSX-p3OoVzQSbsUrmslqdjdAIjy7V2-qRf1KsG77LxypOFz26Vno2mRkKXOtywc3j55KmSgRKhX2vYEjD6fuhlB9JTbBRUF1-F3ZC1tcf51NvClBPdu99WLLs-~-hDk5KdkWRZ2hWgluV17eJdq9FhW2GPVP5ZMnS56AOYunSCa-GWdFqaimjgCbJ01ZcnsWkRHmLuNo9jHk~Enjp4Dip6tmeLte82iSH4MiKrugebNO9Jm5i3Z4EGabnVFKzIAPKyQ2RU2-MJJh26R7C99YgpxTI6VV-faLpfk7x9Vn7E4MBtKMeTYFQ36Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1400, which allows the state to earn interest on the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund and authorizes the Agriculture Commissioner to enter into easements needed to implement the mitigation program, received a due‑pass recommendation from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a 7‑0 vote.

What the bill does: Commissioner Doug Goring testified the bill “provides the ability to acquire interest on money in the environmental impact mitigation fund and the ability to enter into easements and to carry out the intent and purpose of the mitigation program.” The statutory authority will permit the department to accept mitigation dollars from developers (for example, wind‑energy projects), deposit those funds in an interest‑bearing account (Bank of North Dakota or similar), and use the interest and principal to carry out mitigation obligations.

Mitigation approach and easements: Goring described how developers who cannot fully avoid indirect impacts to wildlife and habitat may be required to pay mitigation. The state would hold and manage easements (rather than private third parties) to ensure accountability, continuity and oversight of mitigation work. Commissioner Goring said mitigation easements would be limited to the life of the project (commonly 30 years) and that if impacts extended beyond that period the legislature or agency would need to revisit terms. He told the committee the department anticipates one full‑time equivalent (1 FTE) staff position to administer the program.

Stakeholder support and caveats: Minnkota Power Cooperative (Carly McLeod) and Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Ryan Norell) testified in support, noting the department worked with utilities to draft the program and that the bill includes clarifying language to avoid forcing unrelated facilities into the mitigation process. Committee members asked for details about easement terms, whether the state would purchase land (Goring said the developer pays for mitigation; the state would hold easements rather than purchase land), and how mitigation sites would be selected (starting near the project footprint and within the relevant landscape/watershed).

Vote and next steps: Senator Behn moved a due‑pass recommendation; the clerk recorded 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent. The committee approved the bill and named a carrier. The department said interest earned on deposits would remain in the mitigation fund to support program operations and maintenance.","House Bill 1400 passed the committee after testimony that the bill will allow the state to accept developer mitigation funds, earn interest on the mitigation account, and hold easements to manage required environmental mitigation tied primarily to energy projects.",{"_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},6119203,"Senate committee forwards bill allowing military‑related nonprofits to draw special Game and Fish tags",476,1580000,2056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047&start=1580&end=2056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047/thumbnail_1580000.jpg","/articles/6119203/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-forwards-bill-allowing-militaryrelated-nonprofits-to-draw-special-Game-and-Fish-tags","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119203-32a737ce831b30da7701186a1aa9da0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161470&Signature=m1XnA3DSAIV1itdPF6Yw8IAWiMFXkcwHXdGIDC9PMEKw6QA~O7eNPPUCByAD6QfuHXva62Ai98gMcft4j9vUs1-EAIVucJFqoqRh8c1xZNbyxdfs6NzxlPMGYwD8sBNTq5XtDVFRgc8mWDNrkFxe-M9iDrYbfPmnvRHt2z1fU23Krhyy7u8Bs9ffkqaGkxpQ64vo7ZNCUhect~iLTBHRsEijNBPntbUyKz5d6mn4LCaxfWHcHCMM6n7sFcA9Cwng-lJTcHrECCbFNqel6x0DhWot2uEuOYVJ2A8wg0v1TIk~Gozl6pYPBevrCzxS4uAH-fhGBTwufvfcP5zRIcXJdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1094, which would allow former military or military‑related nonprofit organizations to qualify for special allocation Game and Fish tags, received a due‑pass recommendation from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Purpose and debate: Senator Beard introduced the measure and outlined options for allocating limited special‑allocation deer licenses. Current statute caps available licenses for white‑tailed deer in the special allocation category; committee members and Game and Fish staff discussed whether to add mule deer into that cap (for example, by splitting the allotment to 3 mule deer/7 whitetail) or to leave the language unchanged. Casey Anderson, wildlife division chief for Game and Fish, told the committee that mule deer are “highly coveted” species and the department’s preference is to leave the statute as written or, if the committee wants to include mule deer, to add only a small number and avoid broad “any species” language that could create administrative confusion.

Concerns about repeated winners: Committee members raised testimony that some organizations might be repeatedly awarded these special tags. Game and Fish staff said the agency believes that administrative tools (such as a bonus point or lottery system) can address repeat‑winner concerns without additional statutory language.

Vote and next steps: Senator Beard moved a due‑pass recommendation; the motion was seconded and the clerk recorded 5 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent not voting. The committee forwarded the bill with the recommendation.","The committee recommended a due‑pass for House Bill 1094, which would permit former military or military‑related nonprofit organizations to qualify to receive special allocation hunting tags through the Game and Fish Department. Committee members debated whether mule deer should be separately allocated or included under existing whitetail limits.",{"_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},6119207,"Committee approves amendment letting DEQ set registration deadline for above‑ground tanks",316,1174000,1490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047&start=1174&end=1490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047/thumbnail_1174000.jpg","/articles/6119207/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-amendment-letting-DEQ-set-registration-deadline-for-aboveground-tanks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119207-58ceacbcaeec694a2cea7f80862ed901/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161470&Signature=ewtF3jpW-wi26LIS6rcM7JWrU~Ubc63Jp6jTskz6mzh8OtHdr3P5yxCsjwEsQW3aueCN8K58sHey~~XUe0ClvQT8JBJiDGUwYcegTxNs5vP21zmHCFSlOjG2d31WOf0xysM2QZx7RY4OKYAjc1bBUmY8k7jSqdYUjFISEhUmiLnYkxJbYqE4fSYq3AqD3SqPjqIv-o4HuZgZfEFIUXRS9RCqcADvTIQVcKqImEOd2eoqKpF3DGd~1Xl4ZZ0XguEEheLoYHp56KVFDJKqHHSIapn4AOl51VzvBS91MEBYnhroEddtLfGTgc1M8gZwOhwdXlu0AiLHN6wZyrhkP6sEEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved an amendment to House Bill 1058 that lets the Department of Environmental Quality set the deadline for above‑ground storage tank registration payments by department rule rather than fixing the date in statute.

Why it matters: The change replaces an explicit July 1 statutory deadline with language allowing the department to adopt the registration payment date “under rules adopted by the department.” The amendment was requested and supported by the Department of Environmental Quality to provide administrative flexibility in setting a registration deadline and to avoid a static date in statute.

What the amendment does: As explained by Senator Beard and committee staff, the amendment adds a new subsection to North Dakota Century Code section 23.1‑12‑17 (a new section 3) that specifies the registration payment deadline will be set in department rules and that if a payment is not received within 60 days the department will take specified actions. Senator Beard said the amendment was drafted from proposed language submitted by DEQ and that testimony from Carl Rockman of DEQ brought the amendment forward.

Committee action: Senator Beard moved a due‑pass recommendation on the amendment; Senator Boehm seconded. The clerk recorded 5 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent not voting and the motion on the amendment passed. The committee then moved and approved a due‑pass recommendation on the amended version of House Bill 1058 by the same recorded tally.

Next steps and context: Committee members asked clarifying questions about the insertion point (section 3, subsection 7 of NDCC 23.1‑12‑17) and confirmed DEQ supported the amendment. No fiscal impact or appropriation was discussed on the record during the hearing.","Senators approved a legislative council amendment to House Bill 1058 that replaces a statutory July 1 deadline for above‑ground storage tank registration payments with a department rule‑based date. The amendment came from the Department of Environmental Quality and passed the committee by voice/vote.",{"_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},6119212,"Senate committee advances bill letting Game and Fish run student job‑shadowing programs",580,492000,1072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047&start=492&end=1072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713843-a5580c38c69ec54ca5b567a6c55d8047/thumbnail_492000.jpg","/articles/6119212/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-advances-bill-letting-Game-and-Fish-run-student-jobshadowing-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119212-b166a5f5ddbe20cb443e602b9ab01f6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161470&Signature=fi~xhEIbwQucAxVPxwhwXqv7KSJEn0foq2CG9SfOsGqoOfkIiIvHZK2VZZc-~Fj9zbm8JOEyvZuSyk2IxRG0fhwQSkkxdUuongnwzuUT~55KmSjL7DJKihF5cIzseudJFzSqsSCTyrxV6SoRwTbeEdTy3gtJZFD~KR46MEXz93bAdzVbc3oisIFlEyb7~z1nsOr9x1cFkzSeAjl8WicYCSSu4tonKHl5v8N49nAo9YVIn3ZimtXVBJB8qGJzKeN-0jRykbN81e4eehPFZSRkjJv68geOq6BmAv1xrTBdOjPpMsWDBIWTB1gP-YFiQ3ISZrJXFRcq3Krn2Ei~bbggpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1174, which would authorize the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to establish educational and community outreach programs including student job‑shadowing, won a due‑pass recommendation from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a 5‑0 vote with two members absent.

The bill, introduced to the committee by Representative Donald Longyear on behalf of the Game and Fish Department, would give the department clear statutory authority to conduct job‑shadowing activities and other outreach to promote fisheries and wildlife management careers. Representative Longyear told the committee the department “did not have the ability to have students' job shadow,” and that creating a statutory program would expose high‑school students to agency functions and potential careers.

Why it matters: Committee testimony said seasonal hires are critical to field work and to the department’s long‑term hiring pipeline. Bill Haas, assistant wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, told senators the department relies heavily on seasonal employees and that “68% of our biologists and game wardens did work for our agency in the seasonal position.” Testimony also said applications for seasonal positions fell by more than 70% between 2014 and 2022, and the department hopes hands‑on experiences will encourage students to pursue natural resources degrees.

Committee discussion and details: Testimony described the kinds of activities the program could include — “early morning pheasant survey counts, or fish spawning to provide eggs to our fish hatchery,” Haas said — and noted that participants could be involved in field activities and limited ride‑alongs with staff “in compliance with established program guidelines.” Senators pressed staff on liability and logistics; Haas said the department would work with risk management and expected a waiver or release would be part of program design, and that any school credit would be decided by the local school or district rather than required by the department. On whether students would earn school credit, Haas said, “it probably be up to each school” and that some summer seasonal staff later arrange college credit through internships.

Risk and scope: Committee members asked about occupational hazards for high‑school participants. Haas described the anticipated exposures as “slight risk, but pretty minimal,” citing examples such as riding in a boat for spawn work or limited rides in state fleet vehicles during pheasant surveys. He said the department has not yet decided whether ride‑alongs with law enforcement staff would be included and that the program will be developed with risk management input.

Vote and next steps: Senator Inghitt moved a due‑pass recommendation and Senator Behm seconded. The clerk recorded 5 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent not voting; the motion passed. The committee closed the hearing on HB 1174 and forwarded the bill with the recommendation.

The department and bill supporters said the statutory authority would primarily be used to recruit seasonal workers and to provide early career exposure; no appropriation or funding detail was specified during the hearing.","The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee gave House Bill 1174 a due‑pass recommendation after hearing that the bill would authorize the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to run educational outreach and job‑shadow programs aimed at recruiting future seasonal and permanent staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee pauses outfitter licensing changes amid questions over exam frequency and online testing

Committee backs bill allowing Agriculture commissioner to hold easements and earn interest on mitigation fund

Senate committee forwards bill allowing military‑related nonprofits to draw special Game and Fish tags

Committee approves amendment letting DEQ set registration deadline for above‑ground tanks

Senate committee advances bill letting Game and Fish run student job‑shadowing programs