Learning | North Dakota Legislative Branch

How a Bill Becomes Law

This video provides an overview of the legislative process, from bill introduction to committee work, floor debate, and final approval.

How a Bill Becomes Law - A Guide to Lawmaking in North Dakota (Video) Printable Tri-Fold Brochure

Overview of the Biennium Cycle

North Dakota is one of four states in which the legislature meets biennially in odd-numbered years. The other states are Montana, Nevada, and Texas.

Legislative Branch Function and Process

As the policymaking branch for the state, the North Dakota Legislative Assembly is responsible for enacting laws and appropriating the money necessary to operate state government.

A Brief History of Codification of North Dakota Law

After admission to the Union in 1889, the Legislative Assembly of 1891 created a three-person code commission to compile and harmonize the body of statutory law (1891 Session Laws, Chapter 82, House Bill No. 165).

The North Dakota Legislative Management

Originally created by the 1945 Legislative Assembly as the Legislative Research Committee, the name was changed to the Legislative Council in 1969. Effective August 1, 2009, the Legislative Council became the Legislative Management.

North Dakota's Revenue Forecasting Process

The Legislative Assembly is responsible for approving the state budget, including the revenue forecast. The legislative revenue forecast prepared at the end of each legislative session includes a base revenue forecast and any legislative changes.