BISMARCK, ND – A proposal to reinstate Sunday blue laws in North Dakota has been rejected following a recent vote in the state legislature. The bill, known as House Bill 1150, sought to require some retail businesses to close from midnight to noon on Sundays, a measure designed to allow individuals a chance to observe the Sabbath.
The proposal is a revision of a similar law that was in place in the state until its repeal in 2019. Proponents of the bill argued that it would provide workers with much-needed time off and promote a day of rest for families. However, the measure faced significant opposition from business owners and several legislators who expressed concerns about the potential economic impact and the lack of demand for such a law.
Rep. Dan Ruby, a vocal critic of the bill, called for its defeat, emphasizing that the business community had not requested such a law and that the general public did not appear to support it. “We had an exceptional law. Not in a good way. But an exception for this and an exception for that,” Ruby said on the House floor. “The business community didn’t ask for this. The general public didn’t ask for this. So, I hope we can defeat this bill and keep consistency and fairness for all businesses and citizens.”
In addition to the blue law proposal, lawmakers also voted against a bill that would have classified Kratom, a substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, as a Schedule 1 drug. Kratom is currently categorized as a nutritional supplement and is sold in some smoke shops across the state. The bill aimed to regulate the substance more strictly, citing concerns about potential health risks associated with its use. However, the legislation failed to gain traction in the legislature, and Kratom remains legal for sale in North Dakota for now.
The rejection of both bills marks a shift in North Dakota’s approach to regulating business practices and controlled substances. As the legislative session continues, it remains to be seen what other proposals will come up for debate in the coming months.
