The State and Local Government Committee recommended a due pass on Senate Bill 12‑97, a bill that would restrict certain voting methods (as presented in committee) and address related election provisions. Committee work on the measure included a tied vote on an amendment and a later committee-level due-pass vote of 4-2.

Senator Brownberger offered an amendment to strike language referencing "approval voting" from 12‑97; he moved the amendment and Senator Barta seconded. The amendment produced a 3-3 tie at roll call and thus did not carry. That tie left the bill as presented in committee.

Committee members and outside witnesses debated an exception sought for Fargo, which had previously placed a petition-driven change before its voters. Stephanie Garretson of the North Dakota League of Cities said the Fargo petition "is different" and urged an exception to protect a city vote that was circulated by local residents. Secretary of State Michael Howe advised the committee on a procedural path: "I would suggest take up that provision. Scribe strike approval voting from 12 97 and take the vote and then act from there," recommending the committee address removal of approval voting first to provide clarity for related bills.

After discussion and procedural maneuvering, Senator Castaneda moved a due pass on 12‑97 and Senator Wallen seconded. The committee recorded a 4-2 due-pass recommendation. Committee members said they intended to resolve related language in companion bill 13‑07 on return to the floor and to coordinate exceptions or technical fixes as needed.

Committee testimony included representatives of the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities, who described technical conflicts and proposed sequencing to make the bills workable on the floor. The committee closed the hearing and forwarded 12‑97 with the due-pass recommendation.