North Dakota Come and See the Legislature in Action

Bismarck – Citizens’ Night at the Legislature is set for Tuesday, January 23, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Citizens’ Night gives those children and adults who do not normally have the opportunity to come to the Capitol a chance to see how laws are made.This year the public is invited to attend committee hearings from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. and floor sessions in both chambers from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m.

The offices of the Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State on the east end of the Great Hall (within 100 yards of the Legislative chambers) will also be open for public perusal. Capitol tours are available from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.“North Dakota has one of the few remaining citizens’ legislatures,” House Majority Leader Rick Berg said. “North Dakotans are genuinely interested in our open democratic process. We want people to see how accessible their legislators are and how easy it is to participate.”

“We like to set this evening aside to allow people who work days to bring their children and watch the process in action,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem said. “I was really happy to see several young people in the audience last session.”The committee hearings will be held in rooms on the ground level of the Legislative wing of the Capitol.

“Committee hearings are a vital part of the legislative process because they give people an opportunity to voice their opinions about how certain legislation will affect them or their business,” Berg said.

Similar to the last Citizens’ Night, both chambers will reserve some of this year’s more interesting and “hot” issues for floor debate during the evening session. “If a crowd turns up and television cameras are on hand, floor debates are usually longer, more interesting and more exciting than usual,” Stenehjem said.

Both the House and Senate have visitors’ balconies where the public can sit comfortably and watch proceedings, but for those who have a need to get closer to the action, there is an area on the chamber floor, just a few feet from where the legislators sit, which is also open to the public.“We hope that parents again take the time to bring their children and that teachers encourage their students to attend and witness our legislative process in action,” Berg said.

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