Chairman Clemens opened the hearing on House Bill 1062, and State Public Service Commission Commissioner Jill Kringstead testified the measure is a clean-up to chapter 49-04 of the North Dakota Century Code.

"House Bill 1062 is a cleanup bill to chapter 49-04 of the North Dakota Century Code," said Jill Kringstead, a commissioner on the Public Service Commission, adding that the PSC has not regulated vehicular common carriers such as taxis or trucking companies since 1975.

Kringsstead told the committee the bill removes the word "traffic" from 49-4-7 and deletes sections 49-4-08, 49-4-09 and 49-4-10 to align the code with the PSC's actual duties. She also emphasized the change would not affect the PSC's authority to regulate rail service, which is covered under chapter 49-10.1 of the North Dakota Century Code.

Committee members asked background questions. Senator Holden asked about when the provisions were enacted; Kringstead said she did not know the exact year and that much of the industry deregulation happened around 1975 and some responsibilities were later transferred to the Department of Transportation. Senator Griggs noted the deleted sections appeared related to pricing and carrier collaboration and observed that those functions likely remain but are managed elsewhere; Kringstead agreed.

After closing the hearing, Senator Hogan moved a "do pass" recommendation on House Bill 1062; Senator Rummel seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll. Senators Klein, Paulson, Rummel, Clemens (chair), Vice Chair Corey and Hogan each voted aye. The committee recorded the motion as passed. Senator Klein agreed to carry the bill.

The committee record shows no public testimony in opposition or neutral testimony before the committee gave the bill a favorable recommendation.

The bill will move forward with the committee’s recommendation and a sponsor to carry it in the full chamber.