BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Republican-led House has endorsed legislation that would ban the most commonly used procedure in second-trimester abortions.Representatives voted 78-13 on Thursday to outlaw the abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation. The bill uses the non-medical term “dismemberment abortion” to describe the procedure.Abortion-rights groups argue that banning the procedure is unconstitutional because it interferes with private medical decisions.

Similar laws in other states are on hold because of legal challenges. The bill now heads to the GOP-controlled Senate. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has not indicated whether he would sign or veto the measure.

If passed, North Dakota’s measure would not take effect until the state’s attorney general recommends it is “reasonably probable” it “would be upheld as constitutional,” the bill says.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Senate killed legislation that would require drug testing of teachers, administrators and school board members.The Senate voted killed the two companion bills Thursday.Education officials say the measures are likely unconstitutional and would be a big cost to school districts. They also say there is no evidence of widespread drug use by school officials in North Dakota.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota is sending an emergency response team to assist in efforts to control an escalating measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest.

The North Dakota Department of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response will deploy a five-member unit to relieve existing members of the Washington state response group, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

“We are pleased to assist with this serious public health emergency,” said Tim Wiedrich, Emergency Preparedness and Response’s section chief. “Our participation not only assists Washington but also strengthens our North Dakota response capabilities.”

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency on Jan. 25 because of the measles outbreak.

Public health officials in the state have confirmed 38 measles cases clustered in southwest Washington. Most patients were under 10 and at least thirty-four were not immunized.

Public health authorities recommend that all children be vaccinated against the extremely contagious viral illness at ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Senate has killed a proposal that would use part of North Dakota’s oil tax savings account to offer low-interest loans to communities facing big and expensive infrastructure projects.The resolution was defeated 34-11 on Thursday.Backers wanted to use up to 15 percent of the Legacy Fund’s principal every two years for projects such as flood protection and water systems.Sen. David Hogue of Minot led the effort to change the state Constitution to use the earnings. He says the loans would help finish projects sooner and save in interest and inflation costs.

It was first time the Republican-led Legislature had eyed the principal of the Legacy Fund that was approved by voters in 2010 and holds more than $6 billion.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s House has sunk a bill to establish a ferry to carry people and vehicles across the state’s biggest lake.Representatives defeated the bill 74-17 on Thursday.The bill asked for $10 million to establish the ferry that would go from Twin Buttes to Parshall across Lake Sakakawea, in northwest North Dakota.Proponents say the ferry ride would cut about 120 highway miles for residents in the region.