The North Dakota Legislature convened on May 2, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1377, a contentious piece of legislation concerning campaign finance reform. The session highlighted significant concerns regarding the legislative process and transparency, with several representatives expressing strong opposition to the bill's current form.

Key discussions centered around the claim that HB 1377 did not undergo the necessary public hearings, which many legislators argued is crucial for ensuring good lawmaking. Representative Shower emphasized that the bill had been altered significantly in the Senate, transforming it from its original version passed by the House. He pointed out that the Senate's amendments effectively "hog-housed" the bill, replacing its content with that of Senate Bill 2156, which had previously been rejected by the Senate.

Several representatives voiced their frustration over the lack of representation from the House in the conference committee that handled the bill. They argued that the committee did not adequately defend the House's position on campaign finance reform, which had been developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and multiple subcommittee meetings. Representative Vetter questioned the transparency of the process, highlighting concerns about how the bill was handled and the decisions made by the conference committee.

The legislators called for a "red vote" against the conference committee report, urging their colleagues to reject the current version of the bill and push for new conferees who would better represent the House's interests. They expressed a desire to uphold the integrity of the legislative process and ensure that any changes to campaign finance laws reflect the input and concerns of the public.

As the session concluded, the representatives underscored the importance of maintaining a transparent and fair legislative process, emphasizing that the integrity of the lawmaking process is essential for the trust of the constituents they serve. The outcome of the vote on HB 1377 remains to be seen, but the discussions reflect a broader concern about legislative practices in North Dakota.