BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill to repeal the state’s longstanding Sunday business restrictions.The Senate approved the House bill last week aimed at ending the nation’s strictest so-called blue laws.Burgum signed the bill on Monday that repeals the Sunday business restrictions that have been in place since statehood and rooted in religious tradition. Burgum says the bill “supports freedom, fairness and local control.”The National Conference of State Legislatures says North Dakota is the only state that prohibits shopping on Sunday morning.

The repeal takes effect Aug. 1.

From Gov. Burgum’s Office…

Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after signing legislation to repeal North Dakota’s ban on Sunday morning shopping.

The Senate approved House Bill 1097 last week after the House passed the bill in January. The change in law is effective Aug. 1.

“This legislation supports freedom, fairness and local control,” Burgum said. “We trust retailers to decide when it’s best to open or not open their businesses, and we trust families and consumers to determine how best to spend their time.”

“Repealing this Sunday morning shopping restriction will allow our Main Street businesses to compete on a more level playing field with online retailers and bordering states,” the governor added. “Giving retailers the choice to join the grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants that already operate on Sunday mornings will create a fairer business environment.”

“North Dakota is filled with people who treasure their close-knit communities, faith traditions and quality family time, and together we will continue to cherish the values that contribute to our state having the best quality of life in the nation,” Burgum said.