North Dakota lawmakers consider internship program for political science students

A significant discussion on accessibility improvements took center stage during the North Dakota House Appropriations meeting on April 10, 2025. Lawmakers addressed the pressing need for a ramp in the House Chamber to enhance mobility access for individuals with disabilities. Representative Munson highlighted the ongoing challenges, noting that previous plans for a ramp were complicated by existing wiring and structural issues, making the project more complex and costly than anticipated.

The committee acknowledged the urgency of the situation, with concerns raised about potential accidents if accessibility issues are not resolved. Representative Bigasaw emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough study to explore viable solutions, as the current setup is not compliant with accessibility standards. The discussion underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure safety and compliance, with lawmakers agreeing that the project would require significant funding and planning.

In addition to accessibility, the meeting also touched on a proposal for a new internship program aimed at political science students from North Dakota State University. Representative Munson proposed an amendment to fund internships for students in each legislative district, totaling nearly $970,000. While the idea received support, concerns were raised about logistics, including the availability of students and the potential impact on their academic schedules.

As the committee moved forward with other budget considerations, the discussions on accessibility and internships highlighted the legislature's commitment to improving both physical access and educational opportunities within the state. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape future legislative sessions and funding priorities.