Lawyers in the North Dakota Legislature
The 69th North Dakota State Legislature , which convened in January , has six lawyers representing the citizens of the state . The Gavel interviewed the lawyers serving in the state legislature about the issues facing the legislature and the state bar in the current session . Their responses are below .
Sen . Jonathan Sickler District 17
• Serving since June 2022 ( Appointed to fill a Senate vacancy and elected to a full term in Nov . 2022 )
• Harvard Law School – 2002
• Appropriations Committee ( Government Operations Division )
What are some of the biggest challenges facing North Dakota this legislative session ? State revenue is strong . This session , the legislature has the opportunity to both reduce taxes and make investments in key infrastructure and initiatives . Consequently , taxes will be a major topic . Property tax relief and reform will be the focus , but further income tax reductions will likely get some consideration as well . The legislature will continue to evaluate ways the state can support economic diversification – whether that be through infrastructure investments , value-added agriculture , alternative energy development and uses , greater national defense capabilities , expanded manufacturing , or increased research . Bills supporting families and maintaining our quality of life will be a theme .
What issues do you anticipate for the courts or the bar in the upcoming session ? Lack of access to legal services in some areas of the state is part of the broader workforce shortage . No doubt , there will be more discussions about how to increase the total number of attorneys without sacrificing standards and the quality of legal education in North Dakota . Related , judicial pay needs to get another review this session . I expect there will be discussions about concerns raised during the interim that state support of indigent defense is inadequate . In terms of criminal law , there will be robust debates about minimum sentencing and truth in sentencing , as well as additional penalties for certain violent offenses . More broadly , there will be bills to continue to refine how the courts interact with those with mental health problems . As for domestic law , significant changes to child custody standards will be proposed . All of these topics , and more , will have strong support and opposition .
What can members of the bar do to assist you in your legislative work ? Legislators are very open to conversations with members of the bar and are appreciative of the legal expertise . I encourage members to use SBAND and other bill tracking resources to monitor legislation . If a bar member has an opinion , for or against an idea , or professional experiences that would be useful for policymakers to know , please contact legislators on the relevant committees , the bill sponsor , or their local legislators . Many bills have nuanced implications that legislators are not always able to identify , especially during the hectic pace of a session . Bar members have a particular ability to help legislators “ issue spot ” the consequences of proposed legislation .
Rep . Mary Schneider District 21
• Serving since 2015
• Emory University – 1979
• House Judiciary Committee and Government and Veterans Affairs Committee
What are some of the biggest challenges facing North Dakota this legislative session ? Property tax will be a major issue since the November defeat of the initiated measure came with the implied promise there would be legislation on the issue to provide relief through a more reasoned and reasonable approach . Since property tax has always been a multifaceted and complex matter , there will be multiple bills and approaches to consider .
Hopefully , there will also be serious consideration of issues that directly impact our most vulnerable citizens , focusing on food insecurity , homelessness , poverty , human rights , justice , and healthcare access issues . North Dakota is uniquely positioned to protect and serve those who most need government help .
The sheer number of bills this session will present a challenge , especially those that originate in national bill mills and are not particularly developed to respond to the needs or concerns of North Dakotans .
What issues do you anticipate for the Courts or the Bar in the upcoming session ? It should be an interesting justice system year with major anticipated changes from an interim work group of legislators working with the Bureau of Justice Assistance to improve reentry and better use of the prison system . Their detailed findings resulted in goals that include expanding pathways to alternatives to incarceration ; decreasing the number of individuals entering prison because of drug or alcohol offenses , or revocation ; reducing racial disparities in the justice system ; improving supports for prison to community transition ; and increasing cross-agency collaboration . These considerations may
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