Section 12 of Article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota authorizes each house of the Legislative Assembly to determine its rules of procedure. Each house adopts rules of procedure during the organizational session in December, before the regular session convenes in January. Traditionally, the rules of the preceding Legislative Assembly are adopted, with amendments as appropriate. Three categories of rules are adopted--the Senate adopts Senate rules, the House adopts House rules, and each house adopts Joint rules, which are identical to the joint rules adopted by the other house. The rules of the 69th Legislative Assembly were adopted on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
The rules of the Senate and House generally parallel one another in numbering and substance, with different references reflecting the differences between the organization of the Senate and House, e.g., Senate Rule 202 requires the President Pro Tempore to preside in the President's absence and House Rule 202 provides for the Speaker of the House to appoint a member to preside in the Speaker's absence.
Legislative Rules
- 2025 Legislative Rules (Effective through January 20, 2026)
- 2026 Special Session Rules (Effective January 21-23, 2026)
- 2026 Legislative Rules (Effective after January 23, 2026)