[{"_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",6119148,"mediaKeyId","2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3","parentId",2713957,"title","Study bill for autonomous‑vehicle readiness, liability and data privacy recommended for further review","audioSeconds",1105,"startMs",9137000,"endMs",10242000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3&start=9137&end=10242","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3/thumbnail_9137000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6119148/North-Dakota/Study-bill-for-autonomousvehicle-readiness-liability-and-data-privacy-recommended-for-further-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119148-42ca7e0d389df5250930f8543980d52a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940796&Signature=J1RIk-P7C2a3HaaSwzn2dGICr3Hn40FqVamBwzY~dpv~vkubgiMCJXuP19PRRwRORdhdICSlPZD0HA~S-ClNoxpy0AArQVWuMoRCGtb62yQDj6D6cBr-SAxxzGc1BENrF~Qp-EYyqJGlIo5gDVErkhyA2-KuQN1Vz9Y4m8vlHJjai0rNoNS7ZPEAc7DNvevkF-MlI26kosqPDkfevHcpyIZ0hcA6uog849ly2glrT6VPYIbhcv9pqnHVDP66Nr9bhyEjLA-3QdXw9nbe2xx2XzmUoEZdWZGZrO3q-Ps1HkmLw~Xs8-8dtbmHWT98tBrtz1Oh9tN63Nc0aDLt1HkCtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-03-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1614, a study bill proposing research on autonomous and semi‑autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies, and the bill’s sponsor described a narrowly scoped, evidence‑based approach to assess infrastructure readiness, safety data, liability and data privacy.

Representative Jared Hendricks said the bill replaces an earlier, more prescriptive proposal with a study administered by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) under DOT advisement. Hendricks explained that North Dakota already permits certain AV operations and limited platooning under existing law, but he argued that rapid changes in AV capabilities since the 2017 study require updated analysis. \"These technologies have advanced significantly in the last eight years,\" Hendricks said.

The bill requests a one‑time appropriation (sponsor discussion estimated roughly $100,000) to cover legal analysis on liability and to support UGPTI’s research. Hendricks said the study would assemble safety‑incident data, evaluate infrastructure gaps (lane markings, communications and weather resilience), analyze liability questions and examine data privacy and cybersecurity risks.

The North Dakota Motor Carriers Association (Scott Meske) spoke in support, saying freight industry stakeholders want to participate in a coordinated study and planning process so North Dakota can adopt measured regulation. The Short Line Railroad Coalition asked the committee to consider including an economic‑impact component to assess effects on short‑line rail traffic should truck platooning and other AV freight applications expand.

No committee vote was recorded at the hearing; sponsors indicated willingness to refine language and the committee closed the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Transportation Thursday, Mar 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1614 would fund a targeted study on autonomous and semi‑autonomous vehicle technologies to assess highway readiness, accident data, liability and cyber/privacy issues, with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute conducting the work under DOT advisement.","taxTitle","Transportation, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28909,"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},6119168,"Senate committee backs bill to exempt tow firms from excise tax when titling abandoned vehicles",914,1044000,1958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3&start=1044&end=1958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3/thumbnail_1044000.jpg","/articles/6119168/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-backs-bill-to-exempt-tow-firms-from-excise-tax-when-titling-abandoned-vehicles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119168-a2024a70909dac53e758b1abd82967d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940796&Signature=AAVxQHG4zOlbTl-XRREF3g5xTFQMsNig7WMrAbwxynibVw84eEW79SZPcghtMox9BrdsOsE~x~~94-bfCCLPxHnZor994VKdOPtzU6CxpYachVuYZeUsK0h6UPevdfFjFX~Bu2RM-16tw6gUfB6gEBXFlloYt1-4PHoxcq-~JUDPcPdaBoZ919-abB-9Vmo~9MLWjpUyz64jqTCcjwq6sRp8-xz4S5PBdbCWAaJdNoc02qgtqsD~q2Bht4YvRomgtit0cvF--au6KkKOkuinLoFPoRLUQMl70JTak3EyOX~r0~9ZszCzoNScOfxjP8qZct~BBpaBFpB8JW-xfVyfRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Dakota Senate Transportation Committee voted to give House Bill 1578 a “do pass” recommendation after hearing testimony that commercial towing companies often cannot recover costs for abandoned vehicles.

Representative Jim Greenite, District 28, told the committee the bill would keep the existing process for obtaining titles but would exempt commercial towers from paying motor vehicle excise tax at the Department of Motor Vehicles when they take title to abandoned vehicles. \"What this bill is really trying to do is ... not pay sales tax at the DMV like they currently are to get that title,\" Representative Greenite said.

The bill’s sponsors and witnesses told the committee towing companies face financial risk when they take possession of abandoned cars: vehicles often lack keys, may not run, and frequently are later crushed. Brian Barrett, representing the North Dakota Towing Association, told the committee that an abandoned motor vehicle fund financed by a $1.50 title fee and capped historically at $250,000 (recently raised to $350,000) pays only a small portion of claims. Barrett said one tow company submitted $1 million in invoices and received roughly $1,200 from the fund. \"When you add up the cost of getting a key, paying excise tax, now they have to invest $500 to $1,500 into a vehicle they don't know is gonna run,\" Barrett said.

Shannon Fleisher, associate director with the tax department, described how titling and excise-tax collection are administered. Fleisher said the Department of Transportation (DOT) acts as the motor-vehicle agent for titling and that the title must be issued in the towing company’s business name to qualify for any special handling. She said DOT and the tax department would check business registration with the Secretary of State to verify commercial towing companies.

Committee members asked about verification of commercial status and whether non‑licensed individuals could start towing operations simply by buying a truck; witnesses said there is no special towing license and that verification would rely on business registration and local knowledge. Committee members also heard that statutory notice and posting procedures (referenced in 23.1‑15‑07) remain part of the abandoned‑vehicle process.

Senator Rummel moved a due‑pass recommendation on House Bill 1578; Senator Corey seconded. The clerk called the roll and the committee recorded ayes from those present; the motion passed.

The committee did not amend the bill at the hearing. Supporters said the change would reduce up‑front cost and financial risk for towers that lawfully take possession of abandoned vehicles; opponents did not appear. The bill will proceed to the next committee of referral with a recommendation to pass.","The North Dakota Senate Transportation Committee voted to give House Bill 1578 a “do pass” recommendation after hearing testimony that tow companies frequently lose money retrieving abandoned vehicles and sometimes cannot afford the motor vehicle excise tax required now to obtain a title.",{"_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},6119153,"Committee advances bill allowing counties to enforce off‑highway vehicle rules; debate centers on fine increases",681,2076000,2757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3&start=2076&end=2757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3/thumbnail_2076000.jpg","/articles/6119153/North-Dakota/Committee-advances-bill-allowing-counties-to-enforce-offhighway-vehicle-rules-debate-centers-on-fine-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119153-7b2caded015ef039b8c3bb75d57e0d7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940796&Signature=RUl~EKnCW7luFm18h1wJrcLc-ukrSCfdziMTs06alIP73zljrV-PdsUREEHu6v~L~uEZOVCiG1BlPOUp-qYpmBqTFi~fglhviQx-hrSoyvqQhuurQOu0WgoGFtYqIjJ4F81ozNA1AKtXlQZcPBITSTMj0vAxJcR3a561ip7FGc9hs6Au4RkVSXNh2P9ZhTN7uRgqQ8eG8xIj3mTo6wCcOp71NXC4KWx8ehLHPwdlfxUFev4tr2vUQPqWd8XXBRiz~bCdZgf~0IyhieZK0mj6EDWA25GETv8uu5Z95RgT0g91674sfpr7M-iyVJgo~xbNeX2TEx~3qKf~eleiuJ~RTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators voted to give a “do pass” recommendation to legislation that would authorize counties to work with cities on ordinances governing off‑highway vehicles, after testimony and debate about enforcement and penalties.

Committee discussion focused on a provision raising the infraction fine for certain off‑highway vehicle violations from $20 to $50. Senator Paulson objected to the jump and said $20 is more appropriate for some equipment‑related violations; other members said a higher fine better deters dangerous behavior and gets parents’ attention when minors are involved.

Supporters said local law enforcement is already seeing public‑safety problems where off‑highway vehicles are ridden at unsafe speeds, in careless or reckless ways, or while under the influence; the new authority would enable counties and cities to tailor enforcement. Senator Klein and others favored sending the bill forward, saying the policy is about safety rather than fee levels.

Senator Hogan moved the motion (seconded) and the clerk called the roll. The committee recorded ayes from members present and forwarded the bill with a do‑pass recommendation.","The committee recommended passage of a bill (referred to in testimony as 13406) authorizing counties to adopt and enforce ordinances related to off‑highway vehicles. Debate focused on an increase in the statutory infraction fine from $20 to $50 and concerns about enforcement and impact on minors.",{"_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},6119158,"Committee sends rural non‑fixed‑route transit funding bill to appropriations after broad support",2251,6894000,9145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3&start=6894&end=9145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3/thumbnail_6894000.jpg","/articles/6119158/North-Dakota/Committee-sends-rural-nonfixedroute-transit-funding-bill-to-appropriations-after-broad-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119158-9f77467f0288b17cb30d4d6446e01232/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940796&Signature=FS87dKOvwJEY0AfW8liwl5hdGIcSYUMx5~zi6kEqU38Y3Vlu8jjIKc84G6qI4MnmIW7Oq7p-Uon8sjdYnoh3D4ixzX8F-AH4p3c1Pufy7l48fMZgUhKYLbowNAQ9aCCRvUktlqC4uwdgCLx~axAit9cw2PV1v9izgCLsoUsJ1io0SrBF~7~yZI0Wo8tZxr5OQC68sqovTUx~L9s3iDdXIoKOA2ykyLFDaESeeALyZmMFtZOVEYmw5mcZ1uMEfsTUp~72KcFjKLcjujoin9X4TvP~7UWQaLmVLDjv226p6xBEa5GUAr4MGkBH773Xuoh3WLk1qKkywp4Whcrypl7hFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Transportation Committee voted to recommend passage of House Bill 1106 after hearing testimony from rural transit operators, disability advocates and local officials.

Representative Dave Munson, sponsor of the bill, said the appropriation would expand non‑fixed‑route transit (demand‑response) in rural areas to help residents reach medical appointments, work, and essential services. \"There's probably a bigger need in the rural areas than there are in the city,\" Munson said, explaining his intent to help people who cannot reliably access fixed‑route city transit.

Pat Hanson, director of South Central Transit (Valley City), described daily demand‑response operations across eight counties and said rural providers performed more than 112,000 rides last year; about 20% were medical trips. Hanson told the committee rural programs stitch together trips across counties and sometimes fill gaps for areas that lack any local service.

Michael Olsen of North Dakota Protection & Advocacy and Kirsten Devark of The Arc of North Dakota described how paratransit and demand‑response services are essential for people with disabilities and low incomes. Olsen explained that rideshare services and taxis are often unavailable or prohibitively expensive in rural areas and that many riders lack reliable phone or smartphone access for app‑based options.

Committee members asked about grant formulas and local matching. Hanson and other witnesses said the DOT allocates base amounts for counties with transit systems and that federal funding covers a substantial share of operating and administrative costs but requires state or local matching. Witnesses also said the $1.5 million state allocation in the prior biennium increased ridership and that a $2 million appropriation would expand capacity.

Senator Klein moved a due‑pass recommendation and the committee voted unanimously to refer the bill to the Appropriations Committee.","House Bill 1106, which would provide $2 million for non‑fixed‑route (demand‑response) transit grants to rural providers, received largely unanimous support in committee after operators and disability advocates described medical, employment and social needs met by rural transit services.",{"_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},6119162,"Heated hearing in Dickey County road dispute as committee considers clarifying county authority to adopt township roads",3770,2848000,6618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3&start=2848&end=6618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713957-1128b1d22957a65dea098fd96e858dd3/thumbnail_2848000.jpg","/articles/6119162/North-Dakota/Heated-hearing-in-Dickey-County-road-dispute-as-committee-considers-clarifying-county-authority-to-adopt-township-roads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119162-dc91f65a2877b65c9b16607d6ed01666/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940796&Signature=g28ohPedanyi8H3kQKL8mX~t5MnENbY~WxM1dC-gDX1sdZXSw8TZLpQWgFOP74dg9jvhswVO9nCv9sUn3Qyd8FF-9UW6tJiPEBT3T0RFiCF7X18K0hfvqeKUXikmzR8cNIzkckes16GD7NGpyu8VXQy0iYLuOKo-CNzYD09CoTix3fRZlHJLQqmQxIMYIByoz8Fqi3qkyQwuGdAxU8GTU7lxO3IXNya2U0xMok~WsXq7JddPTrhGHUYIZSyyv5NL4HHMaA3CCZfYZTZUgokna7uyEajpb2TCqdRNeZ5QfhTvZPbyJEatHhF3D9rV7blLQ6B7Q16zRh8VmTeQj7jJbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Transportation Committee held an extended hearing on House Bill 1444 after residents, local officials and company representatives described a dispute over a stretch of township road near Ellendale in Dickey County.

Representative Mike Brandenburg (District 28) told the committee the bill is intended to clarify Century Code so a county may formally assume a township road and apply for state or federal funds to rebuild a mile‑and‑a‑half stretch that currently carries large volumes of construction traffic for Applied Digital’s data‑center project. \"This is about safety,\" Representative Brandenburg said, noting heavy truck volumes and an expected increase in daily traffic as the facility grows.

Nick Phillips, executive vice president for external affairs at Applied Digital, described the company’s investment and traffic impacts. Phillips said the Ellendale campus sits on roughly 320 acres, that the company has built multiple buildings and that construction and employee vehicle volumes have been large (he estimated roughly 400 trucks and 400 passenger vehicles per day at peaks, with those figures expected to increase). Phillips said Applied Digital spent more than $400,000 improving and maintaining the township road and paid more than $300,000 in load‑pass permit fees to the township. He told the committee the planned DOT project would add deceleration and acceleration lanes and cost approximately $6 million; Applied Digital agreed to pay about half and sought $3 million in DOT funding.

Township representatives contested that account. Joel Hammer, township chairman, said townships already cooperate and warned that changing statute to address 1 local dispute would affect every township in the state. \"Safety is not who owns the road,\" Hammer told the committee, urging the legislature not to alter Century Code for a single road. He said the township allowed overweight permits during construction and that the company could have avoided damage by obeying posted load limits. Hammer and other township speakers said they had offered cooperation but that proposals and memoranda were rushed and that a perceived loss of local control alarmed residents.

Committee members asked DOT and legal staff about existing law. Representatives and DOT staff cited Century Code sections addressing county designation of roads and noted ambiguity in the current language for township‑county transfers. Witnesses described limited options for townships to apply directly for certain DOT programs and noted the application process normally runs through counties.

Several committee members expressed sympathy for safety concerns and economic development, but also acknowledged township frustration. Representative Brandenburg and Applied Digital supporters argued the bill simply clarifies an existing process and adds a public‑hearing step; Township speakers said the county’s vote to consider acquisition was in minutes but the township remains opposed.

The hearing closed with no committee vote recorded at the session.","Lawmakers heard competing testimony over a one‑and‑a‑half mile township road near Ellendale that Applied Digital and local officials say is unsafe for heavy construction traffic. Supporters say clarifying Century Code will unlock DOT funding; township officials say the bill would rewrite local control for other townships.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Study bill for autonomous‑vehicle readiness, liability and data privacy recommended for further review

Senate committee backs bill to exempt tow firms from excise tax when titling abandoned vehicles

Committee advances bill allowing counties to enforce off‑highway vehicle rules; debate centers on fine increases

Committee sends rural non‑fixed‑route transit funding bill to appropriations after broad support

Heated hearing in Dickey County road dispute as committee considers clarifying county authority to adopt township roads