Proposal mulled to extend session

BISMARCK (AP) — North Dakota lawmakers are mulling a proposal that would extend the length of a legislative session by 40 days.

The North Dakota constitution limits North Dakota legislative sessions to 80 days every two years. The proposal would raise the time limit to 120 days.

Legislators don’t have enough time during the session to adequately review measures, Fargo Rep. Scot Kelsh said.

“We’re squeezed for time,” he said, adding that extending the session also would allow more time for the public to comment on bills.

Budget analysts said the 120-day proposal would cost an additional $2.6 million, based on the Legislature’s $65,000 daily cost.

If the proposal is approved by the House and Senate, it would go before voters. North Dakota’s legislative sessions were expanded from 60 days every two years to 80 days in 1976.

Kelsh said the 120 session could be divided over two years.

“No one is saying it has to be done in one marathon session,” he said.

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