Sunday Blue Law repeal moves to ND Senate

Bismarck  (CSi) Legislation introduced by state Rep. Pamela Anderson (D-41) to repeal North Dakota’s Sunday Blue Laws, which failed in the House Monday on a 44/50 vote, was Tuesday reconsidered by the House and passed on a 48/46 vote.

“The House’s decision to reconsider this commonsense measure to update our laws and strengthen our economy was absolutely the right thing to do,” said Anderson. “Simply put, government shouldn’t tell private businesses when they can and cannot open their doors. Many people have limited time to get their errands and shopping done over the weekend, and allowing retailers to open for business before noon on Sundays is an important step to strengthen North Dakota’s retail sector and overall economy.”

Representative Anderson’s bill, HB 1163, received support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as well as interest groups including the Greater North Dakota Chamber. The bill was reported out of committee with a 10-3 “Do Pass” recommendation.

“We were pleased the House decided to reconsider our legislation this afternoon, and that some members were willing to reconsider their positions on this issue,” said Anderson. “I’m hopeful this bill will receive similarly strong support from legislators in both parties when it is considered by the Senate.”

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s House has killed a bill that would have repealed North Dakota’s longstanding Sunday business restrictions.

The bipartisan measure aimed at lifting the state’s so-called blue laws was narrowly defeated 50-44 on Monday.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says about a dozen states have some form of Sunday sales laws, but only North Dakota prohibits shopping on Sunday morning.

North Dakota residents can order alcohol at a restaurant or bar late Sunday morning but must wait until afternoon to go shopping because of the ban that’s rooted in religious tradition.

North Dakota law once required most businesses to stay closed on Sundays. It was changed in 1985 to allow grocery stores to open.

The Legislature in 1991 allowed most businesses to open on Sundays but not before noon.