Kelly Armstrong

Burgum, who oversees the Bureau of Indian Education as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, stated that proposed federal funding changes to tribal colleges should not be a cause for concern, characterizing the proposals as a starting point in the budget process that would receive Congressional support. He redirected focus away from funding levels toward educational outcomes and student results, arguing that tribal colleges and universities nationwide must undergo substantial changes to their business models and service delivery methods. Burgum noted that funding reviews were occurring across higher education generally due to shifting economic models in the sector.

Interior Secretary Burgum addressed the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck on May 21, 2026, where he articulated the Trump administration's energy dominance doctrine as central to national prosperity and security. Burgum stated that the administration prioritizes baseload energy sources such as coal and natural gas over intermittent renewable sources, citing grid reliability concerns during peak demand periods. He referenced the administration's requirement that coal-generated power plants remain operational and attributed prevention of potential blackouts during a winter storm to the availability of coal-based generation capacity.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorized a final environmental impact statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline on May 21, 2026, approving an easement for the 1,172-mile pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. The decision fulfilled a 2020 federal court order requiring completion of an environmental review before the easement could proceed. The pipeline, which began transporting oil in 2017 and carries more than 500,000 barrels per day from the Bakken to Illinois, had operated continuously during the environmental study period.

The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission voted to appoint Armstrong as its 2027 chairman during the commission's annual business meeting in Oklahoma City on May 20, 2026. Armstrong's one-year term as chairman begins October 28, 2026, succeeding Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. The IOGCC is a multistate government agency established in 1935 that promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environment, and includes 31 member states and seven associate states.

Governor Armstrong requested a presidential disaster declaration in July 2025 following severe storms, tornadoes, and straight line winds that struck North Dakota on June 20 and 21, 2025. The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded more than $846,000 to North Dakota to support repairs and debris removal across the state, with funds distributed to Kidder County, the City of Jamestown, Pingree-Buchanan School District, and Valley City State University. The allocation supported embankment and infrastructure repairs, debris removal, building restoration, and replacement of athletic facilities damaged during the storms.

Governor Armstrong requested that the North Dakota Legislature pass a bill in 2025 to increase the Primary Residence Credit from $500 to $1,600 for eligible homeowners. The Legislature passed the legislation, which took effect for the 2025 tax year and resulted in nearly 165,000 homeowners applying for the expanded tax credit by the April 1 deadline. The increased credit, paired with a 3% annual cap on property tax increases by local governments, represented a significant expansion of the state's property tax relief program.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven initiated a needs assessment for a second veterans home to be located in northwest North Dakota, working to determine the facility's size, location, and bed capacity by reviewing veteran population distribution, travel distances, facility availability, wait times, and access to care. Hoeven secured support from VA Secretary Douglas A. Collins during a Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations hearing on April 30, 2026, with Collins agreeing to back the project. Once the assessment is completed, the state plans to apply for a State Home Construction Grant Program through the VA, which would provide 65% federal funding and require 35% state funding.

Governor Armstrong proposed maintaining the K-12 funding formula at its current level in the 2027-2029 state budget rather than increasing it. North Dakota K-12 educators earned an average of $60,704 in the 2024-25 school year, ranking 41st nationally according to the National Education Foundation. Armstrong's proposal to hold funding steady contrasts with the previous legislative action that approved a 2.5% annual increase to state K-12 education funding for the 2025-2026 budget.

Governor Armstrong ordered all government agencies in North Dakota to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on May 14 in observance of national Peace Officers Memorial Day. The directive aligned with a proclamation issued by President Trump designating May 10-16 as national Police Week and encouraged private citizens and businesses to display flags at half-staff as well. Armstrong attended a Peace Officers Memorial Service on the evening of May 14 at the State Capitol, where North Dakota's 69 fallen peace officers were honored and the Capitol windows were illuminated with a "Thin Blue Line" display.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong contributed $195,400 to 20 candidates and one district party committee as of the May 2026 campaign finance reporting deadline. The contributions ranged from $500 to $25,000, with most candidates receiving between $3,000 and $10,000, supporting legislative and statewide candidates whom Armstrong had publicly endorsed. Armstrong stated in a written comment that the candidates he financially supported were "focused on results-driven policies" including lower property taxes, economic growth, and reduced government spending.

Governor Armstrong stated that a west-to-east natural gas pipeline from the Bakken oil fields in western North Dakota ranks very high on his list of projects that would benefit the state. Armstrong made this statement to the Grand Forks Herald in the context of a proposed pipeline project that would run from the Bakken fields to Mapleton near West Fargo, which recently received a half-billion-dollar commitment in state funding. City leaders in Grand Forks view such a pipeline as a necessary infrastructure development to support future business expansion in the region.

North Dakota initiated an early separation program in February 2026 offering state employees three months of wages and benefits to leave employment by August 31, resulting in 101 approved buyouts across 14 state agencies. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Joe Morrissette estimated the program would generate approximately three million dollars in savings, with fifty of the approved separations occurring in the Department of Health and Human Services. The state reserved the right to deny applications and required agencies to demonstrate cost savings through leaving positions temporarily open or filling them with lower-paid employees.

Gov. Armstrong activated the state emergency operations plan in preparation for the July 4 opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the America 250 celebration. The activation authorizes the Department of Emergency Services and other state agencies to review preparedness plans, coordinate with local and tribal partners, and ensure personnel and resources are available as needed, with potential support extending to the North Dakota National Guard. Armstrong stated the measure was undertaken to ensure residents and visitors could enjoy the events safely and confidently.

Governor Armstrong appointed Mark Friese to the North Dakota Supreme Court in February 2026. Friese was honored with an investiture ceremony on Friday, surrounded by district judges and family members. Friese previously served as a police officer in Bismarck, a National Guard member, a clerk for the North Dakota Supreme Court, and an adjunct instructor at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota School of Law.

On April 28, 2026, the North Dakota Industrial Commission unanimously approved an agreement committing up to $500 million in state funding to WBI Energy's Bakken East natural gas pipeline project. Governor Kelly Armstrong, who serves as chair of the three-member commission alongside Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew Wrigley, voted in favor of the measure. The pipeline is designed to transport 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from McKenzie County to central and eastern North Dakota, with completion expected by the end of 2030.

Governor Armstrong issued budget guidelines directing state agencies to reduce spending, with smaller agencies holding spending levels constant, mid-sized agencies identifying 3 percent reductions, and larger agencies identifying 10 percent cuts. Armstrong also announced contingency reductions in case energy revenues decline, citing a projected gap of approximately 800 million dollars between ongoing spending and ongoing revenue. The governor stated that current employee salaries would be maintained and characterized the directive as addressing structural spending growth that has occurred over the previous twenty years.

Governor Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2133 in April 2025, authorizing North Dakota to issue black license plates with a modern design similar to those offered in Minnesota. In the first eight months of availability beginning August 1, 2025, North Dakota sold 48,010 blackout plates, generating $1.2 million in revenue with projections to exceed $6.7 million through 2029. The plate sales are expected to fund additional investment in North Dakota's highway system.

Governor Armstrong unveiled budget guidelines for the 2027-2029 biennium that addressed North Dakota's reliance on special funds derived from oil and gas revenues to balance the state budget. Armstrong identified an unsustainable spending trend in which special fund appropriations have grown to exceed general fund spending, with the current biennium budgeting approximately $8.28 billion from special funds compared to $6.25 billion from general funds. Armstrong stated that the state faced a structural imbalance between ongoing revenues and ongoing expenditures that required corrective action to address deficit spending in the general fund.

Governor Armstrong directed state agencies to constrain budget growth by freezing new full-time employee positions and capital projects in their budget proposals for the coming fiscal period. Agencies were instructed to either maintain flat spending or reduce expenditures based on budget size, with those budgeted over $20 million required to plan for 10 percent reductions. Armstrong stated the goal of closing an anticipated General Fund gap of over $700 million by 2032, citing two decades of sustained budget growth that he characterized as unsustainable.

Governor Armstrong released polling data during North Dakota's January 2026 special legislative session regarding Rep. Mike Nathe's bill to implement universal school meals funded by the state, warning lawmakers that the issue would likely reach voters through a ballot initiative. Armstrong's polling indicated that a conservative sample of the voting public supported the universal school meals concept. The Together for School Meals committee subsequently submitted approximately 57,000 signatures in support of placing the measure on the statewide ballot, exceeding the required threshold by roughly 26,000 signatures.

Governor Armstrong released budget guidelines for state agencies to use in preparing their proposed budgets for the 2027-2029 biennium. Armstrong directed agencies to implement base-budget reductions ranging from zero percent for agencies with general fund budgets under $10 million to ten percent for agencies with budgets exceeding $20 million, while imposing a freeze on new full-time positions and new building projects with limited exceptions. The guidelines also directed that funding for K-12 schools, higher education, and career and technical education be maintained at current levels.

Armstrong announced budget guidelines for state agencies preparing budgets for the 2027 biennium, directing agencies with base budgets under $10 million to maintain current spending levels, those between $10 and $20 million to reduce spending by 3 percent, and those above $20 million to reduce spending by 10 percent. Armstrong also declared a freeze on new full-time positions and building construction projects, with limited exceptions such as staffing for a new women's prison in Mandan. Armstrong stated his goal is to address the growing gap between ongoing state revenues and expenditures by achieving budget balance by 2032.

Gov. Armstrong directed state agencies to prepare budget proposals with spending reductions for the 2027-29 biennium, citing a long-term imbalance between ongoing revenues and expenditures in the general fund. Agencies with budgets under $10 million were instructed to hold spending flat, those with budgets between $10 million and $20 million to reduce by 3%, and those with budgets over $20 million to reduce by 10%, while current salary budgets would remain fully funded. Armstrong also prohibited agencies from proposing new full-time positions or building projects, with limited exceptions for ongoing commitments like staffing for the Heart River Correctional Center.

Governor Armstrong appointed Kringstad to the North Dakota Public Service Commission in 2024 to fill the unexpired term left vacant by Julie Fedorchak's election to the U.S. House. Kringstad is now running for election to the two-year term, facing a Republican primary challenge from Chris Olson on June 9, 2026. The primary election will determine the Republican nominee for the Public Service Commission seat in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Governor Armstrong attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Dakota State Hospital in August 2025, a $300 million construction project designed to replace the facility that opened in 1883. As of March 2026, the project remained on budget and on schedule, with approximately $25.1 million in work completed and construction progressing through foundational and structural phases. The new facility is scheduled for substantial completion by the end of 2027 and is expected to open in spring 2028, providing psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services, psychiatric rehabilitation, and the Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program.

Armstrong authorized the deployment of approximately 60 North Dakota Army National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C., beginning in April 2026 to support the District of Columbia National Guard under a joint task force. The soldiers, primarily from the 131st Military Police Battalion headquartered in Bismarck, were deployed as part of the federal mission initiated under President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14333, which declared a crime emergency in the nation's capital. Armstrong stated the deployment was necessary for safeguarding citizens, federal workers, and elected leaders in the nation's capital, with soldiers expected to serve for approximately three months.

Governor Armstrong, along with Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, approved emergency loans through the Bank of North Dakota for farmers affected by trade tariffs. Nearly 600 North Dakota farmers applied for close to $480 million in emergency loans from the state program following tariff policies implemented by the federal government. The Industrial Commission, comprising these three state officials, authorized the aid to assist the agricultural sector during the period when tariffs remained in effect.

Governor Armstrong championed a property tax reform plan introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe that was approved by all but four members of the North Dakota Legislature, delivering tax credits directly to taxpayers on primary residences and implementing a 3% annual cap on local government budget growth. The legislation included a provision allowing political subdivisions to exceed the spending cap with voter approval. Local government entities subsequently requested modifications to loosen the cap and index increases to inflation, citing budget constraints documented through surveys of municipal finances.

Following his election in 2024, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Corey Mock, a Democrat, to serve as the state's chief information officer. Mock had previously served 16 years in the state Legislature and was characterized as moderate with bipartisan respect. The appointment occurred shortly after Armstrong took office.

Trygve Hammer received the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party endorsement for the state's U.S. House of Representatives seat at the party's convention in Bismarck on March 7, 2026, securing 360 votes compared to 64 votes for Vern Thompson and 25 votes for Helene Neville. Hammer, a Naval Academy graduate and former Marine helicopter pilot from Minot, previously ran as the Democratic candidate against Republican incumbent Julie Fedorchak in 2024. The endorsement represents his second nomination in three years to represent the party in the House race.

Governor Armstrong appointed Mark Friese, a criminal defense attorney with experience in high-profile cases, to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Friese will be the first Supreme Court justice with a background in private practice criminal defense, alongside his previous experience as a police officer and in military courts. Friese stated his intention to bring a new perspective to the bench and expressed views on judicial consistency and public access to court records.

Governor Armstrong vetoed book ban legislation during the 2026 election cycle. Armstrong also signed property tax reform into law. The North Dakota Republican Party subsequently censured Armstrong for these actions.

The North Dakota Republican Party's State Committee considered rule changes proposed by District 2 Chairman Jerol Gohrick that would require candidates to maintain good standing through affirmative pledges of support for the party platform and endorsed candidates. Under the proposed rules, candidates who violated loyalty requirements would face removal of party endorsement and a $100,000 fine for continued use of the Republican Party brand. The State Committee was scheduled to vote on these rule changes at its March 14 meeting.

Governor Armstrong, along with Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew Wrigley, established the 2026 Farm Financial Stability Loan Program through the Bank of North Dakota, making $300 million available to agriculture producers to restructure debt at lower interest rates. When applications reached $270 million and funds began depleting, the three officials transferred an additional $80 million into the program. The expanded program became the largest farm relief initiative in the Bank of North Dakota's 106-year history.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong advocated for and signed into law HB 1160 in early 2025, which implemented a statewide cellphone ban in K-12 schools that took effect during the current school year. Armstrong told the Grand Forks Herald that he recognized an "undercurrent of real momentum" for such a ban and pushed hard for its passage. The law prohibits students from possessing cellphones and smartwatches during school hours, with exceptions for medical reasons and students with disabilities.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Fargo attorney Mark Friese to the state Supreme Court on February 18, 2026, to replace retiring Justice Daniel Crothers effective February 28, 2026. Friese, a shareholder at Vogel Law Firm, brings 25 years of criminal defense experience, prior service as a clerk for Justice Dale Sandstrom, five years as a Bismarck police officer, and 24 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Friese will assume his position on March 9, 2026, and will serve until the 2028 election.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed a library content bill, which prompted the state Republican Party to pass a resolution expressing "extreme disappointment" toward Armstrong at a summer meeting. The veto occurred amid broader tensions within the state party between incumbent Republican officials and a more conservative faction that gained control of party leadership. Armstrong and other statewide Republican officeholders subsequently opted to collect voter signatures to appear on the ballot rather than seek the traditional state party endorsement for their campaigns.

Governor Armstrong directed state agencies not to create new full-time positions or programs as North Dakota prepares a 2027-29 biennium budget with projected revenue $700 million to $800 million less than the previous biennium. Armstrong stated that government expansion over the past two decades had become unsustainable and that the budget process would provide a "chance to reset" state government. The Office of Management and Budget began discussions with all agencies regarding spending reduction strategies to address the projected revenue shortfall.

During the 2025 legislative session, Armstrong signed property tax reform legislation that reduced property tax obligations for North Dakota homeowners. The reform resulted in homeowners receiving escrow refunds and reduced monthly mortgage payments, with one analysis estimating average refunds of approximately $1,800 and monthly payment reductions of roughly $124 per household. Despite the legislation's passage and subsequent popularity among voters, the North Dakota Republican Party censured Armstrong for signing the measure.

Governor Armstrong authorized a voluntary separation incentive program through the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget to reduce state government workforce costs in response to projected lower revenue in the 2025-27 biennium. The program allows employees in participating executive agencies to apply for separation packages consisting of three months' salary and benefits, with participating departments required to demonstrate that the separations produce ongoing savings. At least 18 state agencies planned to participate in the program, with employee applications accepted through the end of March 2026.

Governor Kelly Armstrong approved an early retirement incentive plan for North Dakota state employees in response to declining state revenues caused partly by lower oil prices. The plan offers eligible state employees three months of wages and benefits, with state agencies required to demonstrate cost savings by leaving positions open temporarily or filling them with lower-paid employees. Agencies were notified of the plan in February 2026 and had until the following Friday to opt in, with eligible employees to be notified by the following Tuesday.

Governor Armstrong approved an early retirement incentive plan for North Dakota state employees in response to declining state revenues caused by low oil prices and reduced income tax collections. The Office of Management and Budget notified state agencies of the plan on February 5, 2026, with a deadline of February 6 for agencies to opt in to the program. Eligible employees were offered three months of wages and benefits, with agencies required to demonstrate cost savings by leaving positions open temporarily or filling them with lower-paid employees.

Governor Armstrong announced the Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program at a press conference on Thursday, a pilot initiative that will pay landowners to plant perennial grass on marginal cropland. The program aims to improve soil water retention and create wildlife habitat, beginning with an enrollment goal of 10,000 acres with potential for expansion to hundreds of thousands of acres if participation and legislative funding support expansion. Armstrong stated that the program was designed with a scaling mechanism from the outset to avoid maintaining projects in pilot status without pathways for growth.

Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner announced that his office is placing a hold on a $205,652 grant from the state's "Breaking the Cycle" program, which had been awarded to the Cass County Jail to fund re-entry services through the F5 Project. Jahner cited alleged questionable financial activity and charitable organization registration status by the F5 Project as the reason for the action. Jahner stated he is working with Cass County Commissioners to be removed as the grant recipient, and noted that no funds had yet been distributed.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong stated that he expects a proposed constitutional initiative on free school meals to pass if it reaches the ballot. The initiative would amend the state constitution to require funding for free breakfast and lunch at all schools. Armstrong noted that polling data indicates the proposal has support across political parties, and that sponsors are working to gather signatures for placement on the November general election ballot.

Governor Kelly Armstrong proposed the Housing for Opportunity, Mobility and Empowerment (HOME) Program during his first year in office, which would have allocated $50 million through the Department of Commerce to fund private-public partnerships addressing housing shortages in local communities across North Dakota. The program did not pass during the legislative session, with Armstrong stating that budget constraints led to its elimination before the session concluded. Armstrong identified the failure to pass the HOME Program as the most notable missed opportunity of his first year as governor.

Armstrong signed House Bill 1176 during the 2025 legislative session, which expanded the primary tax credit to a maximum of $1,600, more than triple the previous $500 credit, and established an annual cap on local-level property tax increases at 3 percent. Armstrong also secured passage of legislation implementing a cellphone ban in kindergarten through twelfth-grade schools. During his first thirteen months in office beginning December 15, 2024, Armstrong additionally provided relief assistance to North Dakota residents during a federal government shutdown.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed four bills on January 23, 2026, that were required for the state to receive and distribute $199 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding for 2026. The bills included House Bill 1621 requiring schools to administer the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, Senate Bill 2401 requiring physicians to complete metabolic nutritional training, House Bill 1622 allowing the state to join a physician assistant licensure compact, and Senate Bill 2402 expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists. The North Dakota Health and Human Services Department announced plans to begin disbursing the funding through grants to rural providers beginning in February 2026.

In 2025, the North Dakota Legislature authorized funds to help finance a natural gas pipeline project designed to transport gas from the Bakken oilfield to eastern North Dakota. Governor Armstrong stated that the pipeline addresses stranded natural gas that will curtail oil production if not utilized and characterized it as infrastructure that would benefit multiple stakeholders. The Industrial Commission subsequently voted to begin contract discussions with WBI Energy Transmission for the state to purchase transport capacity on the proposed line.

The North Dakota Senate voted 24-22 against House Bill 1624 on January 23, 2026, during a special legislative session called by Governor Armstrong. The legislation would have provided free breakfast and lunch to all public K-12 students daily beginning in the fall, allocating $65 million through June 30, 2027. The House had approved the bill 55-38 the previous day, but the Senate's rejection prevented the universal meal program from being enacted.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1623 on Friday, January 23, 2026, authorizing the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to allocate $397.9 million in Rural Health Transformation grants to medical providers and communities over the next two years. The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously and the House 90-2 during a special legislative session, enables entities to seek revolving loans through the Bank of North Dakota for equipment or renovations while awaiting federal fund distribution from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The funding derives from federal Rural Health Transformation dollars made available through the Trump administration, with North Dakota receiving $198.9 million for 2026, the highest per capita allocation among comparable states.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Michelle Kommer, CEO of HighRoad Partners in Fargo and former North Dakota Department of Commerce commissioner, to the State Board of Higher Education on January 22, 2026. Kommer replaced Levi Bachmeier, who had resigned from the board following his appointment as state Superintendent of Public Instruction. Kommer will serve the remainder of Bachmeier's four-year term, which expires June 30, 2029.

Governor Armstrong convened a special legislative session focused on allocating a federal rural healthcare grant that North Dakota received, which doubled from an initial projection of $100 million annually to $200 million annually. Armstrong outlined a four-pillar plan for the grant's use that includes promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, treating underlying health conditions rather than symptoms alone, building a stable healthcare workforce, and expanding service availability across rural communities. Armstrong characterized the grant as resulting from work by lawmakers on the application and funding made available by Congress and President Trump.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Michelle Kommer of Fargo to the State Board of Higher Education, effective immediately, to fill the vacancy left by Levi Bachmeier's November resignation. Kommer, who owns and operates HighRoad Partners and has served in state government leadership roles for nearly four years, will complete the remainder of Bachmeier's four-year term, which expires on June 30, 2029. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Jonathan Holth as North Dakota's commissioner of Recovery and Reentry in January 2025, establishing what Armstrong stated was the first Cabinet-level position of its kind in the country focused on criminal justice reentry and supporting incarcerated individuals and those struggling with addiction or mental illness. During his first year, Holth advocated for and helped implement three reentry bills: HB 1417, which eliminated certain court fines and fees for defendants; HB 1549, which created a county grant program for reentry initiatives; and HB 1425, which established prosecution-led diversion programs in Grand Forks, Cass, and Stark counties. Holth stated that these measures aim to reduce barriers for people exiting the criminal justice system and lower recidivism rates.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed legislation in April requiring all K-12 students to store cell phones during school hours. Midway through the first school year of implementation, administrators at Fargo South High School and Central Cass reported reduced classroom distractions and increased student interaction. School officials noted that initial skepticism from students, faculty, and parents had given way to general acceptance of the policy.

Governor Kelly Armstrong, who chairs the State Investment Board, urged the board to approve approximately $1.3 million in performance bonuses to 12 Retirement and Investment Office staff members on January 17, 2026, stating that legal counsel had determined the payments complied with state law. Armstrong acknowledged concerns raised by two state lawmakers about whether the bonuses aligned with statutory requirements for internally managed funds, but stated he did not want to rescind money that had been promised to the agency. The State Investment Board approved the bonuses almost unanimously, with the bonuses ranging from amounts below $100,000 to a maximum of $293,000 per employee under a program established in 2024 to reward staff when internally managed funds outperform market benchmarks.

Governor Armstrong, who chairs the State Investment Board, urged the board to approve approximately $1.3 million in performance bonuses to 12 Retirement and Investment Office staff members on January 17, 2026, stating that legal counsel within his office determined the payments comply with state law. The bonus program, established in 2024, provides incentive pay when the state's four largest funds outperform market benchmarks, with those funds exceeding their targets by $191 million during the July 2024 to June 2025 fiscal year. Armstrong stated that while he found the bonus program's structure problematic, he supported the payment to honor commitments already made to the agency, and the board approved the bonuses almost unanimously with only one dissenting vote.

Governor Armstrong called a special legislative session convening Wednesday to appropriate anticipated federal funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for North Dakota's Rural Health Transformation Program, which will provide the state between $500 million and $1 billion between 2026 and 2030. Armstrong indicated support for policy changes including expansion of pharmacists' prescribing authority for certain drugs and medical devices, as well as a requirement for physicians to complete continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health, along with funding applications toward preventative care and telehealth services. The session is scheduled to last through at least Friday and will address bills related to rural health care access, medical provider recruitment, and ambulance services.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Scott Diamond, a judicial referee in Cass County, to fill the open judgeship in the East Central Judicial District, effective February 1, 2026. The vacancy was created by the October 2025 resignation of Judge Nicholas Chase, who was appointed U.S. attorney for the District of North Dakota. Diamond brings 24 years of legal experience, including five years as a Fargo city prosecutor and ten years as an alternate municipal court judge for Fargo and West Fargo.

Governor Armstrong led a groundbreaking ceremony on August 18, 2025, for the North Dakota State Hospital replacement project in Jamestown, which will construct an approximately 300,000-square-foot facility to replace the existing hospital built in 1885. The new facility will provide approximately 140 beds and offer psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services, psychiatric rehabilitation, and the Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 with an opening planned for the first half of 2028.

A nominating committee forwarded three finalists to Governor Kelly Armstrong for appointment to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education: Michelle Kommer of Fargo, Stan Schauer of Bismarck, and Darin Scherr of Bismarck. The appointment will fill the vacancy created when Levi Bachmeier resigned from the board in November 2025 to become superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction. The selected candidate will serve the remainder of Bachmeier's four-year term, which ends June 30, 2029, and must be confirmed by the North Dakota Senate.

Governor Armstrong joined U.S. Senator John Hoeven and Health and Human Services Commissioner Pat Traynor on Friday to announce North Dakota's plan to allocate funds from the Big Beautiful Bill's Rural Health Transformation Fund, which provided the state with $500 million over five years and $200 million for the first year. Armstrong confirmed that a special legislative session is tentatively scheduled for January 21 to approve policy bills tied to the rural health funding, including measures addressing physical fitness requirements, nutrition education, physician continuing education, physician assistant licensure compacts, and expanded scope of practice for pharmacists. Federal rules require the state to lock in contracts for the funds by October 1, a deadline officials cited as necessary for the expedited special session.

The North Dakota Attorney General's Office under Drew Wrigley issued 29 opinions in 2025 regarding open records and open meetings violations, nearly double the 17 issued in 2024, with the office working through a backlog of requests that in some cases dated to 2022 and 2023. The office increased its output through legislative funding that allowed dedication of multiple attorneys to analyze opinion requests and through streamlined drafting and review processes, according to Deputy Attorney General Claire Ness. Wrigley stated that his office would likely complete the backlog of the currently pending 63 opinion requests in the following year.

Sen. Sean Cleary and Rep. Mitch Ostlie submitted a request to the North Dakota Attorney General's Office on Tuesday seeking a written legal opinion on whether the Retirement and Investment Office has authority to issue approximately $1.3 million in incentive compensation payments without a specific legislative appropriation. The State Investment Board had tabled a vote on the bonus payments in November after legal questions arose regarding the RIO's authority to appropriate funds for the policy. Cleary stated that a verbal confirmation from the Attorney General's Office was insufficient and that written clarification was necessary to provide taxpayers with certainty about how public dollars are spent.

Governor Armstrong called a special legislative session for January 21 to determine how North Dakota will allocate nearly $200 million in funding from the Trump administration's new rural health transformation program. Armstrong's office identified four strategic initiatives for the program: strengthening and stabilizing the rural health workforce, preventive care and healthy eating, bringing high-quality health care closer to home, and connecting technology, data and providers. The special session will require lawmakers to decide how to implement the federal funds while managing potential dependence on a federal program that could change its requirements.

Mayor Bochenski suggested increasing the city's sales tax from 7.25% to 7.625% and raising the franchise fee from 2% to 3% to offset property taxes for primary residents, building on the state's $1,600 primary residence tax credit established through House Bill 1176 signed by Governor Armstrong in May. Bochenski stated that the proposed increases would allow the city to eliminate its portion of property tax for primary residences while maintaining sales tax and franchise fees below those of neighboring communities. Implementation of the sales tax increase would require voter approval and a charter amendment, while the franchise fee adjustment would be within the city's authority.

Governor Armstrong announced that North Dakota received $199 million in federal funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a Rural Health Transformation Program designed to improve rural health care access and outcomes over five years. Armstrong issued an executive order convening a special legislative session beginning January 21 to authorize state appropriation of the federal dollars, which is required before the funds may be spent. The state's application for the funding included a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food waiver that was approved on December 10, making North Dakota eligible for additional federal allocation beyond the base $500 million designated for each state.

Governor Armstrong issued a save-the-date notice for a special legislative session scheduled to begin January 21, 2026, contingent on approval from the Department of Medicare and Medicaid Services for North Dakota's rural health care improvement plan, which would distribute $500 million over five years. Legislative leaders indicated the three-day session would focus primarily on the health care discussion, with other bills requiring approval from the Legislative Management Committee or a two-thirds membership vote for introduction. Armstrong previously championed a property tax relief measure that the legislature approved during the 2025 session.

Governor Armstrong's office announced that North Dakota received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on December 10 for a food restriction waiver that prohibits the purchase of certain items with SNAP funds, including soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and specific snack foods. The restrictions are expected to take effect by September 2026. Armstrong's administration stated these changes would apply to SNAP benefits in the state following the reinstatement of program funding after the November 2025 government shutdown.

Governor Armstrong supported legislation passed by the Republican-controlled North Dakota Legislature that increased the Primary Residence Credit from $500 to $1,600 for the 2025 tax year. The credit expansion resulted in approximately 50,000 North Dakota households paying no property taxes in 2025, while other homeowners saw reductions in their tax obligations despite increases in property valuations. The tax relief was funded through revenues from the state's Oil Legacy Fund and was paired with caps on local government spending.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1176 during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, which caps annual property tax increases for local governments, school districts, and other taxing entities at 3 percent and expands the primary tax credit to a maximum of $1,600. Armstrong had identified property tax relief as a chief priority before taking office, stating that property taxes represented the state's "number one issue." Local officials including city administrators from smaller municipalities have expressed concern that the uniform 3 percent cap may prove insufficient to cover rising costs such as employee health insurance and public safety expenses in future budget years.

Governor Armstrong highlighted the implementation of a $1,600 property tax credit legislation that eliminated property taxes for 30 percent of eligible households and benefited 50,000 homes in North Dakota. The legislation capped local property tax budget increases at 3 percent, which Armstrong noted affects residential, commercial, agricultural, and centrally assessed properties. Armstrong stated that the cap structure prevents residential credits from being subsidized by other property classes while keeping tax increases under control.

Governor Kelly Armstrong responded to President Donald Trump's executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 status on December 19, 2025. Armstrong stated he had been involved in discussions regarding the policy but raised concerns about marijuana's previous Schedule 1 classification and the lack of medical research supporting the reclassification. Armstrong indicated a preference for addressing the matter through a structured legislative approach rather than executive action.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1549, which authorized the "Breaking the Cycle" grant program distributing $1.5 million across nine state jails to reduce recidivism and enhance reentry services. Cass County Jail received $205,652 from the grant to fund the F5 Project, a six-week program designed to help inmates build healthy relationships and connect with individuals who have experienced incarceration. The legislation was part of a trio of bills proposed by Armstrong intended to support rehabilitation and reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong reposted a Valley News Live story about Fargo bar owner Chad Klimek's social media posts that used an offensive slur to describe Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, adding commentary calling the posts "ignorant and mean." Armstrong encouraged Klimek to visit Gigi's Playhouse, an organization serving individuals with Down syndrome, and to use more creative insults when criticizing politicians. Armstrong stated that resorting to such language does not advance political arguments but instead reflects poorly on the speaker.

Governor Armstrong served on the selection committee that appointed Jared Huibregtse to a four-year seat on the North Dakota Ethics Commission on December 16, 2025, resolving a two-month impasse over the position. Armstrong had opposed the reappointment of incumbent commissioner Murray Sagsveen, citing concerns that the Ethics Commission had overstepped its jurisdiction, while the other committee members, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, had supported Sagsveen's reappointment. Huibregtse, a project manager for an engineering firm in Mandan, was selected from seven finalists among thirty-nine applicants for three open commission positions.

Armstrong signed legislation in early May that increased North Dakota's primary residence property tax credit from $500 per year to $1,600 for residential properties. The increased credit applies only to homeowners who applied for it ahead of time and applies to properties held in trust where the owner resides. Cass County officials notified homeowners that the adjustment would lower their property tax obligations, with payments due by February 16.

Governor Armstrong, along with Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, notified Ethics Commission Commissioner Murray Sagsveen that his constitutionally-defined four-year term had expired and that he lacked authority to continue serving. Armstrong and the other state leaders have expressed the expectation that the Ethics Commission operate within the bounds of constitutional and statutory law, citing disagreements over the Commission's issuance of opinions that the leaders contend conflict with state law and the state constitution. On Tuesday, Armstrong, Hogue, and Hogan were scheduled to meet to consider an appointment to replace Sagsveen on the Commission.

Murray Sagsveen refused to resign from the North Dakota Ethics Commission following the expiration of his term, despite receiving notification from Governor Kelly Armstrong that he lacked legal standing to continue serving. Sagsveen withdrew his candidacy for reappointment but stated he would continue participating in commission business based on legal counsel's advice. The dispute arose after Armstrong objected to the Ethics Commission's issuance of a legal opinion permitting political candidates to use campaign funds for personal expenses including child care and security costs.

Governor Armstrong enacted property tax reform legislation that included a 3% cap on local government spending growth, which took effect in 2025. The spending cap altered local incentive structures by limiting the annual growth of the property tax base, making tax exemptions for new developments fiscally consequential for municipalities. Following the implementation of this reform, the Fargo school board and Cass County Commission rejected property tax exemptions for a downtown apartment development that the city of Fargo had approved, leading the developer to withdraw its application.

Governor Armstrong joined Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven in outlining a plan to address expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits affecting approximately 40,000 North Dakotans ahead of the January 1 premium spike. Armstrong stated that improving healthcare access and affordability, particularly in rural North Dakota, remains a state priority and that he expects work on related issues during a possible special legislative session in January. The officials indicated they are seeking a compromise solution that can secure support from both Republican and Democratic members of Congress.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved North Dakota's application for a waiver to restrict certain food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beginning in 2026, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announcing the approval for North Dakota and five other states. The waiver prohibits SNAP beneficiaries from purchasing candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate-coated nuts, marshmallows, chocolate chips, sweetened cereals, and energy bars, requiring approximately 600 North Dakota retailers to update their sales systems by September 2026 to decline such purchases. The state pursued the restriction partly to qualify for additional federal funding from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, with Governor Armstrong scheduling a tentative legislative session for January 21 to allocate the resulting rural health funding.

Governor Armstrong announced plans to call a special legislative session in late January 2026 to address the allocation of federal funding for rural healthcare in North Dakota. The state is set to receive at least $500 million over five years through the Rural Health Transformation Plan included in the federal legislation passed during President Donald Trump's administration. Armstrong stated the special session would focus on appropriating these federal dollars efficiently and passing policy bills designed to increase the funding amount.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong plans to call a special legislative session for January 21, 2026, to consider appropriations related to the state's Rural Health Transformation Program. North Dakota submitted an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on November 3 seeking $500 million over five years to improve rural health care access, quality, and outcomes. If the application is approved when CMS awards funding on December 31, the state Legislature must appropriate the federal dollars before they can be spent.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong directed all state government agencies on Tuesday to fly U.S. and state flags at half-staff until sunset in honor of West Virginia Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, who died from injuries sustained in a shooting attack on November 24 in Washington, D.C. A second National Guard member was also seriously injured in the same incident. Armstrong's directive established the half-staff flag protocol as a mark of respect for the fallen service member.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed legislation establishing a statewide "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban that went into effect during the 2025 school year, requiring students to keep all personal electronic communication devices inaccessible throughout the entire school day, including unstructured periods such as lunch and passing time. The ban applies across North Dakota schools and prohibits students from having phones readily available in classrooms, commons areas, and other school settings. Grand Forks Central High School Principal Jon Strandell reported observing increased student attentiveness in classrooms and increased social engagement among students since the ban's implementation.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong issued an order directing government agencies to fly U.S. and state flags at half-staff in honor of West Virginia Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died from injuries sustained in a November 26 shooting in Washington, D.C. The flags were to remain lowered until sunset on December 4, 2025. Beckstrom, 20 years old, was one of two National Guard members shot in the incident.

Governor Kelly Armstrong refused to reappoint Murray Sagsveen to the North Dakota Ethics Commission despite Sagsveen's indication of interest in continuing and two of the three appointing committee members voting to reappoint him. Armstrong cited the need for a "general reset" of the Ethics Commission and disagreement with Sagsveen's statement during the selection process regarding legislative attempts to limit the commission's authority. Sagsveen's term on the Ethics Commission ended without reappointment.

The Industrial Commission, chaired by Armstrong, announced two agriculture-relief loan programs on Tuesday through the Bank of North Dakota to assist farming operations facing financial difficulties following a challenging 2025 growing season marked by severe weather, high input costs, and low commodity prices. The Farm Financial Stability Loan Program provides fixed-rate financing at 3.75% for five years with $300 million allocated, designed to support operating shortfalls and restructure existing debts. The Grain Inventory Loan Program offers variable-rate short-term financing for remaining grain inventory with $100 million set aside.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1375 in April 2025, legislation requiring individuals at bars to present identification to law enforcement when officers suspect they are under 21 years old, with refusal constituting an infraction. The law also established a due process requirement mandating that liquor license violations be reported within 14 days of accusation and that hearings be scheduled no later than the next regular meeting of the local governing body with five days' notice. Fargo city officials stated that the compressed timeline created by the law's requirements conflicts with existing city ordinances governing the review process for liquor license violations.

Governor Kelly Armstrong has declined to reappoint Murray Sagsveen to the North Dakota Ethics Commission, citing concerns that the commission has exceeded its constitutional authority. Sagsveen's four-year term expired earlier in 2025, and the state constitution contains no provision for commissioners to continue serving after their terms expire when replacements have not been selected. Armstrong, alongside Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, is responsible for filling three vacancies on the commission, with the three officials having appointed former Office of Management and Budget director Pam Sharp but remaining at an impasse over the remaining two positions.

Secretary of State Michael Howe requested a formal legal opinion from Attorney General Drew Wrigley on July 22 regarding the North Dakota Ethics Commission's authority to issue advisory opinions, specifically in response to a June 25 Ethics Commission advisory opinion on campaign finance. Howe questioned whether the commission had overstepped its authority by providing legal interpretation rather than addressing ethical questions, and raised concerns that his office was not consulted despite the secretary of state's responsibility for overseeing campaign finance laws. Governor Kelly Armstrong has also raised concerns about the advisory opinion during Ethics Commission appointment meetings, objecting to the commission's position that campaign-related child care and security expenses constitute an ethical matter rather than a policy question.

During a federal government shutdown, Armstrong directed state resources to support food pantries around North Dakota when SNAP benefits ran dry and the Trump administration did not maintain the benefits. Armstrong also authorized the Bank of North Dakota to launch a cheap loan program to help furloughed federal workers bridge gaps in their pay during the shutdown. The article notes that these emergency measures represent a limited response given that federal dollars comprise approximately 28 percent of the state's biennial budget.

Governor Kelly Armstrong issued an executive order on November 14, 2025, establishing the North Dakota Interagency Council on Homelessness to improve coordination among state agencies and service providers. The 12-member council, chaired by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Brandon Dettlaff, was tasked with gathering information and community input to identify areas for improvement in addressing homelessness across the state. The executive order requires the council to report annually on its progress and provide recommendations for executive and legislative action regarding the prevention and resolution of homelessness in North Dakota.

Governor Kelly Armstrong spoke at the Lignite Energy Council's annual meeting on November 12, 2025, encouraging the coal industry to pursue expansion opportunities during the current federal administration. Armstrong stated "Now is the time for aggression" and advised industry members not to delay projects due to excessive caution. His remarks came as coal industry officials discussed potential construction of new coal-fired power plants in North Dakota to supply power for data centers.

Armstrong provided policy updates to industry leaders at the Lignite Energy Council's annual meeting held in Bismarck on November 12-13, 2025. The two-day event brought together regional energy sector representatives to discuss North Dakota's coal-fired energy production, state regulations, and mining updates. North Dakota ranks seventh nationally in coal production, extracting between 25 million and 30 million tons annually.

Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State School Superintendent, submitted her letter of retirement to Governor Kelly Armstrong effective November 24, 2025, to accept a position as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education at the U.S. Education Department. Baesler had served as superintendent for 13 years and oversaw initiatives including the Choice Ready framework, technology standards in computer science and artificial intelligence, innovation waivers for schools, and teacher and principal apprenticeships. Governor Armstrong appointed Levi Bachmeier, former business manager for the West Fargo school district and education policy aide to former Governor Doug Burgum, to succeed Baesler.

Baesler filed a letter of retirement from her position as North Dakota State School Superintendent, effective November 24, 2025. She departed the state position to accept an appointment as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Governor Armstrong appointed West Fargo Business Manager Levi Bachmeier to serve as State Superintendent until the 2026 general election.

Governor Armstrong submitted North Dakota's application for the Rural Health Transformation Plan, a federal initiative providing $50 billion over five years to improve healthcare access in rural areas, with North Dakota eligible to receive approximately $500 million in initial funding plus additional amounts based on state metrics and plan alignment with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services criteria. The plan targets four goals: hiring and training healthcare workers, developing mobile clinics and rural service tools, modernizing telehealth technology, and promoting public health activities. Armstrong indicated the legislature would hold a special session in January or February to appropriate funds and pass supporting legislation, including a potential requirement for presidential fitness testing in schools to increase the state's funding score.

Governor Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died on Monday at age 84. The directive applies to state and federal flags and encourages residents to do the same at their homes and businesses. Armstrong ordered the flags remain at half-staff until the day of Cheney's interment, in accordance with U.S. flag code.

Governor Armstrong directed more than $1.5 million in state funds to support food assistance programs in North Dakota during a federal government shutdown that had exceeded 30 days as of early November 2025. The allocation included $915,000 in state contingency funds to the Great Plains Food Bank, which supports approximately 200 food pantries and shelters across the state, and $600,000 to fund the Women, Infants and Children Program. Armstrong stated that the state would deploy the funds to address nutritional needs for approximately 56,000 North Dakotans at risk of losing federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, without regard to whether the state would later receive federal reimbursement.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and state flags at half-staff in memory of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died on November 3, 2025, at age 84. Cheney served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, and previously held positions as Secretary of Defense, congressman from Wyoming, and White House chief of staff. Armstrong stated that Cheney's legacy included public service, patriotism, and belief in American exceptionalism.

Armstrong allocated $915,000 in state funding to the Great Plains Food Bank in November 2025. The funds enabled the food bank to purchase approximately 450,000 pounds of food for distribution across North Dakota. The organization used the allocation to load eight semitrailers for delivery to partner agencies and expanded its pop-up and mobile pantry services across the state.

Governor Kelly Armstrong participated in a selection committee meeting to appoint members to the North Dakota Ethics Commission, resulting in the appointment of former Office of Management and Budget Director Pam Sharp to a four-year term on the commission. Armstrong, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan remained divided on the reappointment of Commissioner Murray Sagsveen, with Armstrong stating his unwillingness to vote for Sagsveen's reappointment while Hogue and Hogan expressed support for his continued service. The selection committee, which requires consensus votes for all appointments, indicated plans to reconvene the following week to continue discussions on filling the two remaining open seats on the commission.

Governor Armstrong directed $1.5 million in state funds to address food stamp shortages during a potential lapse in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, including $915,000 to the Great Plains Food Bank and $600,000 to the Women, Infants and Children program. The funding was intended to allow the Great Plains Food Bank to purchase an additional 450,000 pounds of food to serve approximately 24,000 households. Armstrong also spearheaded a low-interest bridge loan program through the Bank of North Dakota to assist furloughed federal workers during the federal government shutdown.

Governor Armstrong signed an executive order on October 30, 2025, waiving the 11-hour limit on commercial driving hours for a 14-day period. The emergency declaration was issued to address transportation delays affecting farmers applying fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia, citing facility maintenance issues on the state's east side that compressed the application window. All road and vehicle safety regulations remained in effect under the order.

During his October 29, 2025 visit to the Spirit Lake Nation, Gov. Kelly Armstrong approved a renewed memorandum of understanding between the tribe and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The MOU permits state troopers to respond to calls on the reservation when requested by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, addressing staffing shortages in tribal law enforcement. Armstrong's visit was part of a broader effort to strengthen relationships between the state and North Dakota's five tribal nations.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong announced $1.5 million in state funding for food assistance programs on October 30, 2025, in response to a federal government shutdown threatening nutrition assistance programs. Armstrong directed $915,000 in Department of Health and Human Services contingency funds to the Great Plains Food Bank and allocated an additional $550,000 to $600,000 to the Women, Infants and Children program, whose federal funding was expected to deplete around November 10. According to Armstrong, the $950,000 to the food bank would support the purchase and distribution of more than 450,000 pounds of food to assist approximately 24,000 households.

Governor Armstrong announced the allocation of $1.5 million in state funds to support food assistance programs in response to an anticipated federal SNAP funding pause beginning November 1, 2025. Of this amount, $915,000 was directed to the Great Plains Food Bank to supply nearly 200 partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens across North Dakota, while $600,000 was allocated to extend the WIC program through November. Armstrong stated the state funds were intended as temporary assistance and would not replace the federal SNAP program infrastructure.

Governor Armstrong serves as a member of the three-person North Dakota Industrial Commission, which oversees the Bank of North Dakota. The state-owned bank announced in October 2025 that it is developing a stablecoin called Roughrider coin, a cryptocurrency backed by conventional financial assets that would facilitate instant money transfers and streamline bank-to-bank transactions. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, a fellow commission member, stated during the October 27, 2025 Industrial Commission meeting that the state should proceed cautiously with the initiative and requested monthly updates on the bank's development process.

Governor Armstrong announced a state action plan to address the freeze of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits scheduled to occur during the federal government shutdown, which affected nearly 60,000 North Dakotans receiving food assistance. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Armstrong, the North Dakota Health and Human Services Interim Commissioner, the State Health Officer, and representatives from the Great Plains Food Bank. The action followed a separate emergency fundraising campaign announced by the Great Plains Food Bank in response to the anticipated suspension of federal food assistance benefits.

Governor Kelly Armstrong announced a plan to help North Dakotans address a potential gap in food assistance following the November 1 pause in SNAP benefits caused by the federal government shutdown. The announcement came as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was set to freeze due to ongoing gridlock in Washington over health care tax credits and shutdown resolution. Armstrong's plan would utilize state resources to bridge the assistance gap for eligible recipients while federal rules prevented the state Department of Health and Human Services from independently resuming SNAP payments.

Governor Armstrong vetoed book ban legislation during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, an action that prompted two censures from a populist faction within the North Dakota Republican Party, with one censure specifically addressing the veto. The legislation would have restricted access to library materials in schools and public libraries across the state. Since the legislative session ended in spring 2025, Armstrong's veto has remained in effect and schools and libraries have continued operations without incident related to book access or content disputes.

Governor Armstrong appointed Kierstin Hurtt of Hoople to a five-year term on the North Dakota Council on the Arts Board of Directors, representing Region 4 in the northeastern part of the state. Hurtt, who serves as superintendent of the Valley-Edinburg School District, will hold the position until July 2030. The North Dakota Council on the Arts is a state agency funded by the North Dakota Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts that supports the development and preservation of the arts throughout North Dakota.

Armstrong signed HB 1160 into law in April 2025, legislation that implemented a statewide cellphone ban in North Dakota schools. Armstrong stated that the ban addressed documented concerns including student anxiety, mental health issues, bullying, and concentration problems, and noted that teachers and parents supported the measure. Two months into the school year following the ban's implementation, no significant discontent had been reported.

Gov. Armstrong refused to reappoint incumbent Murray Sagsveen to the North Dakota Ethics Commission during a selection committee meeting on October 23, 2025, stating the commission needed a "general reset" and citing a strained relationship between the Ethics Commission and executive branch agencies. Armstrong objected to Sagsveen's statement during the selection process that the North Dakota Legislature had passed laws limiting the commission's authority in violation of the state constitution. The selection process deadlocked because the appointment required consensus among the three committee members, with Armstrong opposed to Sagsveen's reappointment while Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan supported it.

Governor Kelly Armstrong announced his appointment of Levi Bachmeier to serve as North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction, replacing Kirsten Baesler who was confirmed for a position in the Trump administration. Bachmeier resigned his seat on the State Board of Higher Education following the appointment announcement. Under state law, Bachmeier must appear on the ballot in the next election to have his appointment confirmed to the four-year term.

Governor Armstrong appointed Levi Bachmeier, the business manager for West Fargo Public Schools, to serve as the next North Dakota superintendent of public instruction. West Fargo Public Schools named Elizabeth Mackowick as interim business manager to fill the position vacated by Bachmeier's appointment, with her term extending until June 30, 2026. Mackowick, who has worked in the district for 13 years in administrative roles focused on literacy programs and federal education funding, will transition into the position while the district conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong stated that the state is working to address the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to approximately 57,000 North Dakotans, which ended November 1 due to a federal government shutdown that began October 1. Armstrong said he has been meeting with state agencies including North Dakota Health and Human Services to determine how to respond to the abrupt termination of federal funding. Armstrong indicated that while the state has resources available, the primary challenge involves accessing the necessary federal infrastructure to implement interim assistance measures.

Governor Armstrong stated that the infrastructure controlling the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is operated by the federal government rather than the state, preventing North Dakota from loading SNAP benefits onto Electronic Benefits Transfer cards even if the state provides funding during a government shutdown. Armstrong said the state does not have access to the federal infrastructure necessary to implement the program. The governor called on Congress to resolve the shutdown quickly to prevent SNAP benefits from being paused on November 1.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Levi Bachmeier, business manager of West Fargo Public Schools, to the position of North Dakota superintendent of public instruction on October 21, 2025. Bachmeier will succeed Kirsten Baesler, who is leaving the role to become assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education in the U.S. Department of Education. Bachmeier's start date will be determined after Baesler's resignation takes effect, which is pending the conclusion of the federal government shutdown.

Governor Armstrong appointed Levi Bachmeier as North Dakota's next Superintendent of Public Instruction. Bachmeier, the business manager for the West Fargo School District and a former education policy adviser, will assume the position when current Superintendent Kirsten Baesler resigns to accept a federal position as Assistant Secretary of Education. Bachmeier will serve through the 2026 general election.

In April, Armstrong vetoed SB 2307, legislation that passed both chambers of the North Dakota Legislature and sought to restrict access to materials deemed obscene in library areas accessible to children. In his veto message, Armstrong stated the bill represented "a misguided attempt to legislate morality through overreach and censorship." The veto occurred amid broader national debates about book restrictions in libraries and concerns among library professionals about public trust in their institutions.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1176 during the 2025 legislative session, which appropriated $473.4 million for property tax relief, including $465 million allocated for $1,600 credits on tax bills for primary residences. The legislation implemented a 3% cap on growth in property tax bills for all property types, with provisions allowing local governments to carry over unused portions of the cap and seek voter approval to exceed it. The North Dakota Association of Counties subsequently announced plans to consider a resolution calling for the elimination of the cap at an upcoming meeting.

Governor Armstrong, as chair of the Industrial Commission, approved the "Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program," a partnership between the state-owned Bank of North Dakota and local banks and credit unions to provide short-term loans at two percent interest to federal employees, contractors, and military members stationed in North Dakota experiencing financial hardship during a federal government shutdown. The program became available to borrowers by the end of the following Friday, allowing time for participating financial institutions to review applications and for affected individuals to apply. Armstrong stated the program was designed to help borrowers avoid missing payments on vehicles, childcare, and rent while the shutdown continued.

Armstrong's administration worked with the Industrial Commission to establish the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program, a short-term loan initiative administered by the Bank of North Dakota in partnership with local lenders. The program provides loans at a 2% interest rate to federal workers and military members stationed in North Dakota who were furloughed during a federal government shutdown, covering up to three months of base net pay. The application period opened October 10, 2025, and the program was scheduled to conclude January 9, 2026, or upon passage of congressional funding legislation, whichever occurred first.

Governor Armstrong announced the creation of the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program on October 8, 2025, to provide emergency loans to federal employees in North Dakota affected by the government shutdown. The program, administered through the state-owned Bank of North Dakota under the authority of the Industrial Commission, offers loans with a 2% interest rate, a maximum term of five months, and a $250 initial fee, with applications accepted from October 10 through January 2. Eligible borrowers must be North Dakota residents or military personnel stationed in the state and are required to provide documentation of their federal employment status.

The Bank of North Dakota announced a partnership with Fiserv on October 8, 2025, to develop a stablecoin called the Roughrider coin for digital financial transactions. Bank of North Dakota President and CEO Don Morgan stated that development of the stablecoin became possible following Congressional passage of the GENIUS Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins backed by high-quality assets. Morgan indicated that the Roughrider coin will initially be used for bank-to-bank money transfers through Fiserv's digital assets platform, with potential for expanded use in other transaction types in the future.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction, as assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Baesler was officially nominated for the position by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump in February, concluding a months-long vetting process. Baesler stated she would resign from her state position and join McMahon's department leadership once operational logistics permit.

Governor Kelly Armstrong announced the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program, a loan initiative administered through the state-owned Bank of North Dakota during the federal government shutdown. The program was authorized by the Industrial Commission, consisting of the governor, agriculture commissioner, and attorney general, to provide temporary financial assistance to federal employees in North Dakota affected by the shutdown. The program operated while Congress worked toward a continuing resolution to fund the federal government.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Nicholas Chase as U.S. attorney for the District of North Dakota on October 7, 2025, in a 51-47 vote as part of a block of Trump administration nominees. Chase, who has served as an East Central District judge since 2022, previously spent 20 years in the U.S. Attorney's Office for North Dakota, where he led multiple units including the appellate and white-collar fraud divisions and served briefly as acting U.S. attorney in 2021. Chase announced his immediate resignation from the state judgeship upon confirmation to assume the federal position.

Governor Armstrong announced a plan to provide bridge loans to federal employees affected by a government shutdown, working with the North Dakota Industrial Commission and the Bank of North Dakota. Local private banks would issue the loans to furloughed workers to cover expenses during the shutdown, with the Bank of North Dakota securing the loans. The workers would repay the loans once they returned to work and received back pay.

The Bank of North Dakota announced plans to launch the Roughrider coin, a stablecoin designed to facilitate instant money transfers and streamline bank-to-bank transactions. The state-owned bank partnered with Fiserv, a Fortune 500 financial technology company, to introduce the stablecoin into North Dakota's banking system. Bank of North Dakota President and CEO Don Morgan stated the initiative aims to ensure the continued health, resilience, and relevance of North Dakota banks and credit unions.

Governor Armstrong vetoed legislation earlier in 2025 that would have limited library content and exposed libraries to legal liability. The bill sought to restrict materials available in public library collections through content-based limitations. Armstrong's veto prevented the restrictions from becoming law.

Governor Armstrong attended the inaugural Governor's Workforce Summit on Thursday, where industry leaders, state officials, and education representatives gathered to develop new workforce strategies for North Dakota. Armstrong stated he plans to continue refining workforce development efforts initiated by previous administrations, citing workforce challenges in the state since 2010. The summit, led by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, included discussion of supporting career and technical education centers to prepare students for high-demand positions.

A selection committee narrowed a pool of 39 applicants to seven finalists for three open seats on the North Dakota Ethics Commission. The new commissioners will be selected based on a consensus vote of Governor Kelly Armstrong, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan. Public interviews with the finalists are scheduled to begin Friday afternoon at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck.

The chairman of the Legislative Management Committee appointed an interim committee to develop legislation for North Dakota to apply for federal rural healthcare funding, with the state potentially receiving between $100 million and $200 million annually over a five-year period. The interim committee's work was necessitated by federal deadlines for both application and fund expenditure that precluded the standard review process through the Emergency Commission and Budget Section. Legislative leaders indicated they would request that Governor Kelly Armstrong call a special session in early 2026 to address the federal funding opportunity, with the Legislature retaining the option to convene itself if necessary.

Governor Kelly Armstrong stated he has identified candidates to replace State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler following her nomination to be assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education in the U.S. Department of Education. Armstrong said he intends to appoint Baesler's replacement within days after the Senate confirms her federal nomination, with the appointee serving through the November 2026 election. Armstrong described the replacement candidate as needing experience working with educators and policymakers across local, state, and federal levels in both public and private sectors.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong's office mistakenly vetoed an entire $35 million affordable housing section of a budget bill in May 2025 when the intention was to strike only a $150,000 line item for a tribal homelessness liaison. North Dakota lawmakers responded by drafting legislation to establish the third Wednesday in June following a biennial legislative session as a formal date for addressing gubernatorial vetoes issued after the session concludes. The bill proposal also includes requirements for additional documentation in the veto process to prevent similar errors in the future.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley stated he is researching legal options the state might pursue against South Dakota regarding legislation signed into law in March that bans the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipeline projects. Wrigley characterized the South Dakota law as a "hostile act" that impedes interstate commerce during a radio talk show appearance. Summit Carbon Solutions, which is developing a multi-state carbon capture and storage pipeline network, has been unable to secure a South Dakota state permit and has faced significant resistance from landowners in that state.

President Trump nominated Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota's superintendent of public instruction since 2012, to serve as an undersecretary at the Department of Education, with her confirmation moving forward in the Senate in early October 2025. Following Baesler's expected confirmation and departure from her state position, Governor Kelly Armstrong will appoint her replacement, who will then need to be elected to complete the remainder of her four-year term. Potential candidates for the appointment include state Senator Michelle Axtman, a Republican from Bismarck with experience on education policy matters.

Gov. Armstrong announced his support for United Way's special use permit application to convert the former Evergreen senior living facility into a multi-use transitional housing facility in a letter addressed to Dickinson City Commissioners on September 16, 2025. The Dickinson City Commission voted 3-2 to deny the permit application on the same day, with Mayor Scott Decker and Commissioners Robert Baer and Jason Fridrich voting for denial despite Armstrong's stated position. The denial concluded a months-long process that included presentations, community feedback, and recommendations from various state and local organizations.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong stated at the North Dakota Petroleum Council's Annual Meeting that he wants the state to welcome companies willing to invest in enhanced oil recovery technology. Armstrong indicated a preference for companies to conduct research and development on new extraction methods in North Dakota rather than waiting to return after depleting reserves elsewhere. His remarks were made in the context of industry discussion about the Bakken formation's future production capacity and the role of carbon capture technology in oil recovery.

Governor Armstrong backed legislation in the 2025 North Dakota legislative session that reduced property tax bills for primary residences by $1,600 and implemented a 3% cap on growth in all property tax bills, which passed with near-unanimous support in both chambers. The City of Minot's council subsequently voted to withdraw the city's $25,000 annual membership dues from the North Dakota League of Cities, citing the League's failure to align with Minot's stated opposition to the property tax cap legislation. Aldermen Scott Samuelson and Mike Blessum argued the League should have more actively worked against the cap rather than seeking a seat at the negotiating table.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong ordered flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk following Kirk's death. Port argues that Armstrong should not have complied with the directive to lower flags, citing concerns about the frequency of such honors and questions about Kirk's record as a political figure. The column discusses broader questions about the appropriateness of bestowing the nation's highest honors on divisive political figures.

In late July, Armstrong issued a disaster declaration following severe storms in June that caused significant property damage and loss of life in areas including Enderlin and Spiritwood, requesting federal aid from the Trump administration. The declaration remained unacknowledged for over 50 days before the Trump administration approved it in mid-September, a timeline significantly longer than historical averages for such requests. Armstrong's declaration was accompanied by a separate request from North Dakota's federal delegation in August, which noted that state emergency funds had been depleted and urged action on both the June storms declaration and a second declaration issued September 2 related to August tornadic storms.

Armstrong directed all state flags in North Dakota be flown at half-staff through Sunday, September 14, 2025, in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The directive was issued following Kirk's fatal shooting on Wednesday, September 10, at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Armstrong's action aligned with President Donald Trump's concurrent order to fly all U.S. flags at half-staff.

President Donald Trump granted a disaster declaration for severe storms that struck North Dakota in June 2025, enabling assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for recovery and repairs to public infrastructure. The June 20-21 storms caused an estimated $110.4 million in public damage, along with damage to grain bins, homes, and other private property across the state, particularly in eastern regions. Governor Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster in the aftermath of the storms and formally requested federal aid from Trump on July 21.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong directed all state government agencies to fly U.S. and state flags at half-staff through sunset on Sunday following the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at a Utah college campus on Wednesday. Armstrong stated in a written statement that there is no place in America for political violence and extended condolences and prayers to Kirk's family. The directive aligns with a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump regarding the incident.

Governor Armstrong ordered that all U.S. and North Dakota flags be lowered to half-staff through September 14 following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Armstrong issued a statement indicating that the flag order was made in honor of Kirk. The governor's action followed the shooting death of the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder at an outdoor event.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from September 10 through September 14, 2025, following the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot at Utah Valley University on September 10. Armstrong also issued a separate flag directive for September 11 to observe Patriot Day, the national day of remembrance for victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and encouraged citizens to observe a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. Central Daylight Time. According to Armstrong's spokesperson, the state follows established protocol by flying flags at half-staff in response to presidential directives and to honor significant figures and events.

Governor Armstrong issued a proclamation declaring North Dakota Autonomy Week, naming the state as a national leader in autonomous systems development and deployment. The proclamation recognized the University of North Dakota as a cutting-edge research institution engaged in developing AI, robotics, and autonomous systems through industry partnerships. The proclamation coincided with the IEEE-USA Innovation, Workforce and Research Conference AI and Autonomy Summit scheduled for September 10 at the University of North Dakota.

The Mandan City Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to adopt updates to city ordinances allowing the smoking of pipe tobacco in licensed cigar lounges. The ordinance changes were requested by Big Sticks Cigars owner Josette Supree and follow similar legislation passed by the North Dakota state legislature earlier in the year. Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1660 in April 2024, which expanded state law to permit indoor smoking of pipe tobacco at licensed lounges in addition to cigars.

Armstrong announced that the North Dakota Industrial Commission took a step toward bridging a natural gas gap between eastern and western North Dakota by voting to begin contract discussions with WBI Energy Transmission regarding a proposed natural gas pipeline running from McKenzie County to Mapleton and Ellendale in southeastern North Dakota. Armstrong stated that supporting WBI's pipeline construction would involve the state purchasing transportation capacity at $30 million per year for up to 10 years, representing a possible $300 million investment, with the state transferring its pipeline space to private businesses as they commit to using the natural gas. Armstrong characterized the pipeline as a solution to connect natural gas production in western North Dakota with communities in the eastern part of the state that lack access to the resource.

Upon taking office in 2025, Armstrong proposed $105 million in state funding toward housing initiatives for the biennium, building on his predecessor's proposal of $96 million. Armstrong's plan included Senate Bill 2225, which would have allocated $50 million to incentivize infrastructure improvements through grants to communities under 20,000 residents, with matching funds required from local sources. The bill failed in committee on May 3, 2025, and the state Legislature ultimately allocated $35 million total for housing solutions during the session.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1307 in April 2025, which declared that any city or county election ordinances under home rule charters that conflict with state law are void. In response to this legislation, the city of Fargo implemented changes to its election procedures for the 2026 election cycle, including eliminating the $100 filing fee alternative to gathering 300 signatures, removing approval voting, and increasing residency requirements from six months to nine months. These changes take effect for candidates filing after January 1, 2026, with the filing deadline set for April 6, 2026.

Governor Kelly Armstrong pushed for passage of a statewide "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, which was passed by the state legislature in April. Armstrong told the Grand Forks Herald that he believed the policy would significantly impact North Dakota schools, citing data on student anxiety, mental health issues, bullying, and concentration problems. Grand Forks Public Schools implemented its own plan based on the statewide ban, which took effect on the district's first days of school in late August.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff from Wednesday through sunset on Sunday following a fatal shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The directive was issued as a symbol of respect for the victims and their families. Armstrong's action aligned with a proclamation previously issued by President Donald Trump regarding the incident.

Governor Armstrong appointed Steven Lautt to serve as a judge for the North Central District in Minot, North Dakota. Lautt was sworn in during a special investiture ceremony on Friday, August 22, 2025, with Chief Justice Jon Jensen administering the oath of office. Lautt replaced retiring Judge Douglas Mattson on the North Central Judicial District bench.

The Rancher's Rights Initiative filed a lawsuit against Governor Armstrong and the North Dakota Beef Commission challenging the process for appointing the commission's three at-large members. The plaintiffs argue that the appointment process violates the state constitution by favoring members of the Stockmen's Association over unaffiliated ranchers, despite the association representing only 17% of the state's ranching industry. A trial on the matter is scheduled for August 2026, with the state denying most of the claims and arguing the complaint exceeds the statute of limitations.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission, comprising Governor Kelly Armstrong, the state attorney general, and the agricultural commissioner, approved a $500 million financial guarantee for the Bakken East Pipeline proposed by WBI Energy, a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group. The state committed to purchasing $50 million worth of pipeline capacity annually for ten years, with funding sourced through a line of credit from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota. The pipeline project is designed to transport natural gas from the Bakken oil fields in western North Dakota to central and eastern portions of the state to serve industrial demand.

Governor Kelly Armstrong attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown on August 18, 2025, marking the beginning of construction on a $300 million facility. The new hospital, designed by JLG Architects and Architecture+ in collaboration with Tegra Group, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and will be located west of 12th Avenue Southeast across from the current facility. The facility will provide psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services, psychiatric rehabilitation, and the Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program, with design features including private patient rooms and ample natural light to support therapeutic environments.

Governor Kelly Armstrong attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Jamestown on Monday for a new State Hospital facility in North Dakota. The new hospital will be located on 12th Avenue across from the current facility and will house approximately 140 beds, an increase of 19 beds from the existing 121-bed facility, which currently occupies 630,000 square feet compared to the new hospital's planned 318,000 square feet. Armstrong stated that the new facility reflects the state's focus on modernizing important public services, including mental health and addiction services.

The North Dakota Procedures and Arrangement Committee drafted two bills in response to Governor Armstrong's handling of a line-item veto. The first proposal would require that any line-item veto include a copy of the vetoed portion and an explanation of the veto. The second proposal would establish a process for lawmakers to be polled after the legislative session to determine whether they should reconvene to address post-session vetoes.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong signed House Bill 1166 into law on April 23, which requires county courts to seal criminal case records resulting in dismissal or acquittal from public view beginning August 1. Cases dismissed or acquitted before August 1 require defendants to file a petition to seal records, while cases closed after that date are automatically sealed. Judges and attorneys retain access to sealed records, but members of the public cannot view them through remote court system access.

Pat Traynor, interim commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, initiated a yearlong public health initiative addressing digital device use, which he identified as the state's most urgent public health threat during a training session for department leaders in July 2025. Traynor presented data on attention span decline, mental health impacts, and screen time statistics to support the initiative's focus on awareness and responsible technology use. The effort included educational presentations to state health leadership without accompanying regulatory or legislative action.

Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota's superintendent of public schools, was nominated to serve as assistant secretary for secondary and elementary education in the Trump administration. As of August 2025, her confirmation process had stalled approximately 175 days after her official nomination announcement. Baesler's nomination faced potential opposition from conservative critics, and a similar nomination for the deputy education secretary position was withdrawn by another candidate following backlash from the same political faction.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation establishing a statewide "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban that requires students to store personal electronic communication devices during instructional time, including unstructured periods such as lunch and recess. The Grand Forks School District is developing implementation policies for the ban ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, with the policies to be finalized before the first day of school on August 27. The district plans to accommodate students with medical conditions and individualized education plans through exceptions written into their school plans.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1561, legislation introduced by Representative Steven Swiontek that requires websites containing sexually explicit material to verify that users are at least 18 years old before granting access. The law, which took effect on August 1, 2025, permits age verification through either a digitized identification card or a commercially reasonable age verification system using transactional data, with civil penalties imposed on companies that fail to comply. Following the law's implementation, Pornhub blocked all users in North Dakota from accessing its content, citing concerns that mandatory digital identification verification would not effectively protect user privacy and could put minors at risk.

Governor Kelly Armstrong, who sits on the North Dakota Industrial Commission, received presentations on July 30, 2025 from executives of WBI Energy and Intensity Infrastructure Partners regarding proposed natural gas pipelines to transport gas from the Bakken oil fields to central and eastern North Dakota. The Industrial Commission is considering offering a decade-long line of credit committing the state to purchasing $500 million worth of pipeline space at $50 million per year. Armstrong stated following the presentations that he was confident the state would realize a project that has been needed for over a decade, with the three-member commission set to decide whether to approve the financial backstop.

Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken appeared before the Legislature's Task Force on Government Efficiency on July 30, 2025, and apologized for the Department of Commerce distributing more than $122,000 in bonuses to 28 employees for work during the legislative session, with payments ranging from $550 to $6,600 per employee. Schilken stated that the temporary pay increase practice, which began under the previous commissioner, was discontinued and would not occur again, citing direction from Governor Kelly Armstrong. Schilken, who received a $6,600 bonus himself, indicated that employees would no longer accrue temporary pay increases tied to legislative sessions.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1165, which changed the process for counting mailed-in ballots in North Dakota by requiring ballots to be received by election workers on Election Day rather than within 13 days of Election Day if postmarked the day before. According to Secretary of State Michael Howe, the change affected approximately 392 ballots, or about 0.11 percent of all ballots cast. The League of Women Voters characterized the change as voter suppression, claiming it would disenfranchise groups including Native Americans and senior citizens.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation in February 2025 that expands eligibility for the state's $500 property tax credit on primary residences. The bill represents the first legislative action of Armstrong's governorship and is part of broader property tax system changes in North Dakota. Local governments are adjusting their 2026 budgets to accommodate the expanded credits and new limits on their ability to raise property taxes.

Governor Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2354 on April 25, 2025, which mandates that all personal electronic communication devices be stowed away and inaccessible during the school day in North Dakota public schools, effective August 1, 2025. The law requires all public school districts in the state to establish policies implementing the restriction and communicate them to families before the new school year. Districts including Fargo and West Fargo Public Schools have since adopted policies requiring students to store devices such as cellphones, smartwatches, and earbuds in lockers or designated storage areas from the first to last bell of the school day.

Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed a school choice proposal during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session that would have made public dollars available for private school tuition. Following the veto, an unnamed party commissioned polling to measure voter support for a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the state and its political subdivisions from appropriating or facilitating public funds to support private or non-public elementary and secondary schools. The polling measure describes specific prohibitions on tuition vouchers, tax credits, subsidies, and other financial benefits for private school attendance, while permitting public funding for nutrition programs, special education services, and pre-kindergarten offerings at private institutions.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1229 into law on May 1, effective August 1, which permits law enforcement officers to issue fines to vehicle owners when their cars are involved in fleeing incidents without requiring officers to apprehend the driver during a pursuit. The legislation establishes a $100 fine for a first offense and $500 for a second offense, with exceptions for stolen vehicles and provisions allowing owners to demonstrate they were not operating the vehicle at the time. Local police leaders stated the law serves as a deterrent tool and accountability mechanism while maintaining existing pursuit protocols prioritized on public safety.

A group of independent North Dakota ranchers filed a lawsuit in Burleigh County District Court challenging the appointment process for the North Dakota Beef Commission's nine-member board, naming Governor Kelly Armstrong and Attorney General Drew Wrigley as defendants. The plaintiffs claim that Armstrong and private agricultural associations including the Stockmen's Association wield virtually complete control over board selections through a nomination process established under the North Dakota Beef Commission Act of 2009. The lawsuit contends that the appointment structure unconstitutionally favors association members and excludes independent ranchers from representation on the board that oversees approximately $1.67 million in annual checkoff revenue.

North Dakota's Department of Transportation implemented an increase in interstate speed limits from 75 mph to 80 mph on Interstates 94 and 29, effective August 1, 2025, following the passage of House Bill 1298 during the legislative session. Contracted workers from 3D Specialties began replacing speed limit signage on August 4, with completion expected within two to three weeks. The department reduced speed limits in specific areas including Grand Forks, Dickinson, Valley City, Jamestown, and the Badlands near Medora to 70 mph, extended the 55 mph zone in West Fargo, and adjusted the 60 mph zone in Bismarck to accommodate local traffic patterns and safety considerations.

Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2201 on February 18, 2025, his first bill as governor, which expanded the state's primary residence property tax credit from $500 to $1,600. The legislation, which the North Dakota Legislature passed following Armstrong's approach to property tax reform, directs approximately $409 million annually from the Legacy Fund to finance the increased homeowner relief. The bill also implemented a 3 percent cap on the ability of local governments to raise property taxes.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Bismarck attorney Marina Spahr to fill the vacant South Central District judgeship in North Dakota. Spahr, who has practiced civil and criminal law for over thirty years and appeared in more than seventy trials, replaced Judge Davie Reich, who retired in June. Spahr assumed the position on September 15, 2025, to complete Reich's remaining term.

Governor Armstrong included $2.9 million in state funding for Prairie Public Broadcasting in his 2025-27 budget proposal, which encompassed $1.7 million designated for one-time transmitter maintenance expenses. The state legislature subsequently reduced the proposed allocation to $400,000. This action occurred as Prairie Public Broadcasting faced potential significant reductions in federal funding following congressional votes to claw back previously approved Corporation for Public Broadcasting appropriations.

Governor Armstrong met with Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa leadership on July 10, 2025, in Belcourt to discuss challenges facing the tribe, including proposed federal budget cuts, Medicaid reimbursement, and education funding. During the meeting, Turtle Mountain Chairman Jamie Azure presented what he described as an "unofficial challenge" to Armstrong to develop solutions for educating legislators about tribal sovereignty and the benefits of state-tribal collaboration. The meeting was part of a series Armstrong intends to conduct with leaders of all of North Dakota's tribal nations and included representatives from the governor's cabinet.

Governor Kelly Armstrong attended a public hearing of the North Dakota Ethics Commission in July 2025 and criticized the commission for exceeding its legal authority in draft rules governing travel disclosure. Armstrong, along with Attorney General Drew Wrigley, argued that the commission lacked statutory authority to impose penalties as high as $5,000 for violations and that the proposed rules contained no due process protections or appeal mechanisms. Armstrong also objected to recent legal opinions issued by the commission regarding the use of campaign contributions, contending that such policy questions should be resolved through legislative debate rather than administrative interpretation.

Governor Armstrong participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on July 10, 2025, for the Military Museum Gallery in Bismarck, a $78 million construction project expected to open in 2027. The museum's funding includes approximately $40 million in state funds approved by the North Dakota Legislature during the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions, with the remainder covered by private donations. The 67,000 square-foot facility will be constructed adjacent to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum and will feature exhibits, event space, a North Dakota National Guard Regimental Room, and an amphitheater, with construction scheduled to begin in August 2025.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong expressed concerns during a July 14 public hearing that a June Ethics Commission advisory opinion on campaign fund usage for child care and security services effectively created new policy without legislative input or debate. The advisory opinion, issued in response to a request from Sen. Josh Boschee, concluded that using campaign money for child care or security is generally permissible when the need was directly caused by candidacy or public service. Armstrong also testified on the proposed Ethics Commission travel disclosure rules, stating general support for the requirement that public officials report third-party-funded trips but requesting that the rules include due process protections for those facing fines.

Governor Armstrong visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians on July 10, 2025, in Belcourt, North Dakota, meeting with tribal leadership, state agencies, and local legislators to discuss challenges facing the tribe. The visit included roundtable discussions organized around concerns including federal tribal budgets, economic development, impacts of proposed budget cuts in the "One Big Beautiful Bill," Medicaid reimbursement delays, and school funding. Armstrong stated he intends to visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office and committed to ensuring that conversations from the meeting translate into follow-up actions through state agencies.

Governor Armstrong accidentally vetoed $35 million from a budget bill in July 2025 when he intended to remove only $150,000, an error that Attorney General Drew Wrigley subsequently addressed through a legal opinion. Members of Legislative Management declined to pursue litigation in the state Supreme Court and instead directed the Legislative Procedure and Arrangement Committee to draft legislation that would clearly define veto procedures and authority. The proposed bill is expected to be completed within 90 days to potentially align with a special legislative session.

North Dakota enacted House Bill 1489, which closes civil protection order hearings to the public for cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and disorderly conduct beginning January 1, 2026. Under the legislation, only the victim, the target of the petition, their attorneys, the state's attorney, witnesses, and a certified domestic violence or sexual assault advocate may attend the hearings, while victims' names are exempted from public records. Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee sponsored the bill, stating the measure aims to provide procedural assurances to victims seeking protection orders.

Governor Armstrong implemented a property tax reform plan that included a $1,600 tax credit on primary residences and capped local property tax growth at 3 percent. The policy was designed to address North Dakota's long-standing property tax problems by constraining local government spending authority. Armstrong, who previously served six years in the state Senate, had advocated for this credit-and-cap approach to state fiscal policy.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued a letter to Governor Kelly Armstrong recommending against initiating removal proceedings for Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer Mark Splonskowski. Wrigley noted that while allegations regarding Splonskowski's conduct and office performance raised concerning issues, a full evaluation of the facts did not support removal under the applicable legal standard. Wrigley stated that voters in Burleigh County would be free to consider the allegations in the next general election should Splonskowski decide to seek reelection.

Governor Armstrong issued a partial veto of $35 million in new housing investments included in legislation passed by the North Dakota legislature. Legislative leaders David Hogue and Zac Ista stated that the legislature is examining the constitutional authority underlying Armstrong's veto action and seeking legal guidance on how to respond. The legislators indicated they are working on a bicameral response to address what they characterize as a veto matter while consulting with the Legislative Council.

In April 2025, Governor Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2180 into law, which mandates public comment periods at all local government meetings beginning August 1, 2025. West Fargo officials subsequently modified their public comment policy to comply with the state requirement, limiting speakers to topics on the current or most recent previous meeting agenda and requiring non-residents to identify if they represent a West Fargo business, organization, or property tax-paying entity. The West Fargo City Commission unanimously approved the formal public comment policy on July 7, 2025.

Governor Armstrong announced the Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program to assist agricultural producers whose buildings were damaged during recent severe storms in North Dakota. The program offers two financing options: temporary storage support to complete the 2025 harvest season, or financing for repairs and construction of critical agricultural buildings including grain storage, livestock barns, and machine shops. Producers may apply for up to $150,000 in support through the Bank of North Dakota, with approximately $37 million available under the state's Rebuilders Loan Program authorized by the governor's disaster declaration.

Governor Armstrong declined to remove Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer Mark Splonskowski from his elected office following a May request by the County Commission to initiate removal proceedings. In a letter to the county, Armstrong stated that while Splonskowski's conduct reflected concerning deficiencies in competence and financial management, removal was not warranted and the matter should be left to voters. Attorney General Drew Wrigley had reached the same conclusion ten days prior.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong decided against initiating removal proceedings for Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer Mark Splonskowski following a recommendation from the state Attorney General's office. The Burleigh County Commission separately voted to split the auditor and treasurer positions into separate offices and appointed County Finance Director Leigh Jacobs as interim treasurer. Splonskowski remains in his elected auditor position.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1489 on April 23, 2025, legislation that closes civil protection order hearings for domestic violence and sexual assault cases to the public beginning January 1, 2026. The law exempts victim names from public record and restricts attendance at such hearings to the victim, the target of the petition, their attorneys, the state's attorney, witnesses, and a certified domestic violence sexual assault advocate. The Senate passed HB 1489 unanimously and the House approved it 85-9, with legislative sponsors stating the measure brings North Dakota into compliance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994.

Governor Armstrong spoke at a press conference on Wednesday regarding the Big Beautiful Bill, legislation awaiting presidential signature scheduled for Friday, stating that the bill would benefit agriculture, energy, and small business—the three sectors he identified as driving North Dakota's economy. The bill includes provisions to strengthen and expand access to affordable crop insurance and improve livestock disaster programs. Armstrong's remarks came during an agricultural leaders roundtable in Fargo attended by Senator Hoever and representatives from the North Dakota Stockmen's Association.

Governor Armstrong's administration accidentally vetoed the entire $35 million budget for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency when the governor intended to veto only a $150,000 line item for a tribal homeless liaison position. Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued an opinion on June 11 determining that Armstrong's intent letter, rather than the marked bill, constituted the official veto document, allowing the Office of Management and Budget to disburse $9.85 million for homeless services and $25 million for housing initiatives on July 1, 2025, the start of the funding cycle. The $150,000 for the tribal homeless liaison was not disbursed, consistent with the governor's stated intent.

Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a line-item veto of section 7 of the Industrial Commission budget bill in May 2025, intending to remove $150,000 in funding but inadvertently marking through the entire section due to a markup error, which also eliminated millions of dollars designated for housing and homelessness programs. Armstrong provided a written statement to the legislature explaining the veto was limited to the $150,000 item, consistent with constitutional requirements under Article V, section 9 of the North Dakota Constitution. Attorney General Drew Wrigley subsequently issued an opinion stating that the governor's written statement controls the veto's scope, preserving the housing and homelessness funding, though the incident prompted lawmakers to discuss reforms to the line-item veto process.

Governor Kelly Armstrong presented two proposed underground natural gas pipelines to the North Dakota Industrial Commission in June 2025, each spanning approximately 350 miles from the Watford City region to the Fargo area with segments expected to enter service in 2029 and 2030. Armstrong stated that the pipelines would facilitate increased oil production in the Bakken region by providing necessary gas transportation infrastructure, noting that producers require viable markets for natural gas before committing capital to drilling operations. The state is considering a 10-year, $50 million-per-year line of credit to support the projects as a backstop, with the pipelines potentially carrying up to 1 million dekatherms of natural gas per day for industrial and residential use.

Governor Armstrong held a press conference in Bismarck alongside Senator John Hoeven to discuss the impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on North Dakota. Armstrong stated that the legislation would benefit North Dakota ranchers, farmers, small businesses in the oil industry, and specifically would expand access to affordable crop insurance for farmers. The bill had been passed by Republican leaders in the House at the time of Armstrong's remarks.

Governor Armstrong announced a new low-interest loan program for agricultural producers affected by storm damage in North Dakota. The 24-month loans were designed to provide rapid access to funding for recovery efforts, with the governor stating the program would deliver quick assistance while damage assessments and insurance coverage gaps were being evaluated. The program was introduced following storm damage reported across multiple counties that affected approximately 126,000 acres of crops and various farm infrastructure.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued a legal opinion concluding that Governor Kelly Armstrong's line-item veto should stand and that a special legislative session was not necessary, citing Article V of the North Dakota Constitution. Wrigley stated that Armstrong's veto message was accurate and that technical errors in the marked-up bill accompanying the veto were irrelevant to the validity of the action. The Legislature's Legislative Management Committee has not yet decided whether to pursue litigation or call itself back into session in response to the opinion.

Governor Armstrong accidentally vetoed Section 7 of Senate Bill 2014, which contained $35 million in funding for housing and homelessness programs across North Dakota. Attorney General Drew Wrigley subsequently issued an opinion on the vetoed section that, if accepted by the legislature, would restore the $35 million in funding, with $25 million designated for the Housing Incentive Fund to support multi-family and single-family home construction and $10 million allocated to homeless programs and shelters. The legislature has the option to accept the Attorney General's opinion, override the veto, or pursue the matter through the courts, with the funds scheduled to become available on July 1.

On May 19, Governor Armstrong issued a line-item veto of a portion of section 7 of Senate Bill 2014, intending to remove only a $150,000 grant to a Native American-focused homelessness liaison position. The veto message crossed out the entire section, inadvertently removing $35 million in housing and homelessness projects scheduled to begin July 1. Attorney General Wrigley issued an opinion on June 11 concluding that Armstrong's veto was constitutional and that the veto message printed in the official Legislative Journal represents the governor's true intent, leaving the legislature to decide whether to override the veto, call a special session, or pursue legal action.

Governor Kelly Armstrong issued an item veto of legislation that inadvertently marked a $35 million appropriation for affordable housing funds for removal, though his accompanying veto letter did not specify this item. Attorney General Drew Wrigley released an opinion on June 11, 2025, concluding that the governor's veto was effective based on the written explanation in the letter rather than the marked bill, and that the Office of Management and Budget could restore the funds without requiring the Legislature to reconvene in special session. This opinion conflicted with a prior analysis from Legislative Council, which had determined that the veto letter was ambiguous and that only a special legislative session could properly address the error.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley stated on Wednesday that Governor Kelly Armstrong's line-item veto of Senate Bill 2014 was "sound" despite containing a marking error that crossed out both a $120 million appropriation for affordable housing and homelessness programs and a separate $140,000 appropriation for a Native American-focused organization's homeless liaison position. Wrigley dismissed legislative staff conclusions that Armstrong's intent was unclear and characterized the governor's action as a "very modest veto." The attorney general's opinion indicated that the veto could proceed without requiring a special legislative session to address the discrepancy.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued a formal opinion upholding Governor Armstrong's line-item veto of two sections of SB 2014, the state Industrial Commission budget. Armstrong vetoed Section 7, which would have allocated $150,000 to a Native American organization for a homelessness liaison position, and Section 31, which would have directed $250,000 from the Bank of North Dakota for a study of western North Dakota communities experiencing economic decline from reduced oil and gas development. Wrigley determined that Armstrong's veto message clearly identified the sections and reasons for the vetoes, making the veto constitutionally valid despite a marked line appearing on an unrelated section.

The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency proposed rescinding the Clean Power Plan 2.0 and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule, both established under the Biden administration. Governor Armstrong and North Dakota's congressional delegation announced support for the EPA's proposal, characterizing it as beneficial to the state's lignite coal industry and energy security. The EPA must finalize the decision to rescind the rules, with no timeline specified for completion.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a veto of the Industrial Commission Budget that included removal of a $35 million provision from a Housing Incentive Fund. Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued an opinion stating that Armstrong did not intentionally veto that portion of the budget, based on the Governor's veto description and copy delivered to the Senate. Armstrong subsequently affirmed that the written veto message constituted the controlling document and stated he would honor the Attorney General's determination.

Governor Armstrong spoke at the Energizing North Dakota's Future event at the University of North Dakota on June 10, 2025, discussing enhanced oil recovery in the Bakken formation. Armstrong stated that approximately 85 percent of oil remains in the ground in the Bakken and that developing enhanced oil recovery techniques could extract an additional five billion barrels without the disruptions associated with traditional oil booms. Armstrong emphasized that private companies, rather than government, would need to drive innovation in extraction technology and called for state policies that encourage companies to invest capital in enhanced oil recovery projects in North Dakota.

Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a line-item veto of a $150,000 grant for a homeless coalition in Senate Bill 2014, but a clerical error by his staff resulted in the veto document also crossing out an entire section containing $35 million in housing funding that Armstrong intended to keep. Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued a legal opinion on June 11, 2025, determining that Armstrong's written veto message, which correctly described his intended modifications, constitutes the controlling legal document rather than the marked-up bill with the erroneous deletions. Following Wrigley's opinion, Armstrong's office announced that the $35 million in housing funds would be disbursed as originally approved by the Legislature.

Gov. Armstrong spoke at the Energizing North Dakota's Future event on June 10, 2025, at the University of North Dakota's Energy & Environmental Research Center, where he discussed enhanced oil recovery potential in the Bakken formation. Armstrong stated that current extraction methods recover approximately 15 percent of oil reserves, leaving 85 percent in the ground, and noted that recovering an additional five billion barrels could generate substantial tax revenue for flood protection, agriculture, property tax relief, and the state's Legacy Fund. Armstrong emphasized that private companies, rather than government, drive innovation in oil extraction technology and that state policy should be structured to encourage private investment in enhanced recovery methods.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2860 and House Bill 1561 during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, both of which establish age verification requirements for websites publishing explicit content. The bills also impose civil penalties for the creation and distribution of deepfake pornographic material without a subject's consent, with both measures taking effect August 1, 2025.

Governor Armstrong issued a line-item veto of $35 million from the Housing Incentive Fund, which Armstrong subsequently characterized as an "honest mistake." The North Dakota Legislative Council recommended in a memo that Armstrong call a special legislative session to allow the legislature to remedy the veto error rather than attempt alternative procedural fixes. Armstrong stated he would await an opinion from Attorney General Drew Wrigley before deciding whether to convene lawmakers back to the capital.

Governor Armstrong's administration made a $35 million line-item veto error in May 2025 when attempting to remove a single $150,000 appropriation for a homeless liaison position from a budget bill but instead removed an entire section containing $25 million for affordable housing initiatives and $10 million in homeless services. Armstrong requested an opinion from Attorney General Drew Wrigley on whether the intent stated in the veto letter could override the markings on the bill itself, which would allow reinstatement of the funds without a special legislative session. The Legislative Council released an analysis arguing that the marked bill, not the veto letter, constitutes the official veto document and that a special session is constitutionally required to restore the funding.

Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a line-item veto on Senate Bill 2015 that inadvertently crossed out an entire section of the bill, resulting in a $35 million budgeting error that removed funding for housing projects and homeless assistance programs from the Industrial Commission's budget. Armstrong's office claimed a veto letter could clarify the error, but North Dakota's Legislative Council determined on Friday that only a special legislative session could constitutionally correct the mistake. The veto was intended to cut only a $120,000 appropriation for a Native American-focused homeless liaison position but instead eliminated the entire section encompassing the $35 million in funding.

Governor Armstrong introduced HB 1176, legislation that expanded the primary tax credit to a maximum of $1,600 and capped local-level tax increases to no more than 3 percent annually. The bill was signed into law on May 2, 2025, near the end of the legislative session. Armstrong had discussed property tax relief as a campaign issue prior to his November election.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation implementing a property tax reform plan that includes $1,600 credits for primary residences and 3% caps on local spending growth. The legislation represents a shift in tax policy designed to address property tax increases at the state level. The reform also establishes new parameters for local government spending that will require adjustments to municipal and county budget practices across the state.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission, chaired by Governor Armstrong, selected Brandon Dettlaff as executive director of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on June 2, 2025. Dettlaff, who has worked at the agency since 2007 and most recently served as homeownership director, will assume the position on June 13, replacing retiring executive director Dave Flohr. The Housing Finance Agency administers the state's affordable housing programs and initiatives.

Gov. Armstrong attended a signing ceremony in Beulah, North Dakota on May 28, 2025, where Minnesota-based Talon Metals and Westmoreland Mining Co. announced an agreement granting Talon sole rights to purchase 256 acres of the retired Beulah Mine and 7 miles of nearby rail line for development of a nickel processing plant. The facility is expected to become operational by late 2028 and will process nickel concentrate and other minerals including iron and copper. The project received $115 million in federal funding through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and represents a $365 million private investment by Talon.

North Dakota GOP District 26 appointed Republican Kelby Timmons of Watford City to fill the state House seat vacated by Jeremy Olson of Arnegard, who resigned following a misconduct complaint that was later withdrawn. Timmons previously served as a representative for District 26 during the 2025 legislative session. District Chair Patsy Levang stated that Timmons' formal presentation to the district committee encompassed the GOP platform with a focus on local control of political subdivisions.

Governor Armstrong identified school funding levels as a primary regret from the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, stating that education funding should have been higher. The session resulted in lawmakers approving a per-pupil funding increase of 2.5% for each year of the next biennium, rather than the 4% teacher pay raise that education organizations had sought. Armstrong cited education funding alongside housing funding as missed opportunities during the recently concluded legislative session.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2380 and House Bill 1561 during the 2025 legislative session, both of which require age-verification systems on websites containing substantial amounts of pornographic material that could be harmful to minors. Armstrong also signed legislation establishing civil penalties for the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornographic material. Both laws are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Governor Kelly Armstrong presented seven Governor's Travel and Tourism Awards during the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Minot in late April 2025, alongside Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and DMAND president Julie Rygg. The awards recognized individuals and marketing efforts that contributed to growth in North Dakota's travel and tourism sector, including heritage, behind-the-scenes, and marketing excellence categories. Armstrong stated in a release that the award recipients exemplified the dedication of tourism industry workers who attract visitors and contribute to the state's economic diversity.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a line-item veto of Senate Bill 2014 that contained a discrepancy between his veto message and the amended bill version his office transmitted to the Legislature. Armstrong's veto statement indicated he intended to strike only a passthrough grant for a homelessness liaison position, but the bill version sent to lawmakers also removed $35 million in additional housing funding. Armstrong requested Attorney General Drew Wrigley issue a legal opinion on the matter to determine which document represents the valid veto.

Armstrong issued a veto of a budget bill intended to remove $150,000 in funding for a homelessness liaison position in tribal communities, but the veto inadvertently eliminated an entire funding section totaling $35 million designated for affordable housing initiatives and homeless services. Armstrong's administration characterized the veto as a "mistake" and sought an opinion from the state attorney general regarding the error. The Legislature may be required to convene in special session to reverse the veto depending on the legal determination.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a line-item veto on Senate Bill 2014 during the 2025 legislative session, intending to reject a $150,000 grant for a Native American homelessness liaison position within the Industrial Commission's budget. Due to a clerical error, the veto instead removed an entire section of the bill containing $25 million in affordable housing initiatives and $10 million in homelessness services. Armstrong's office stated it would correct the markup error, noting that a special legislative session would be called if necessary to restore the appropriations.

Governor Armstrong vetoed Sections 7 and 31 of Senate Bill 2014, which would have allocated $35 million to a state housing development fund. Armstrong stated the veto was a markup error made by his office, as he intended to veto funding for a Native American organization addressing homelessness rather than the broader housing incentive fund. Armstrong indicated he would consider calling a special legislative session to correct the veto and restore the $35 million in housing funding.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed the final bills of the 2025 legislative session on Monday, during which he exercised a line-item veto on seven items across six appropriations bills. The Governor's Office acknowledged on Thursday that the line-item veto mistakenly eliminated $35 million in funding for housing and homelessness programs, including a $25 million allocation for housing projects and programs and a $10 million allocation for homeless assistance during the 2025-2027 biennium. The error raised the possibility that the North Dakota Legislature could reconvene for a special session to address the unintended cuts.

Governor Kelly Armstrong proposed approximately $105 million in state funding for targeted housing initiatives during the 2025 legislative session, including a $50 million Housing Opportunities Promoting Employees program designed to incentivize private developers to build affordable housing in coordination with local political subdivisions. The North Dakota Legislature ultimately appropriated approximately $35 million for housing initiatives, reducing the proposed funding by roughly two-thirds and eliminating the Housing Opportunities Promoting Employees program and a $5 million Rural Slum and Blight program that Armstrong had included in his budget recommendation. Armstrong characterized the Legislature's housing funding decisions as a "real missed opportunity" while acknowledging the difficulty of addressing the state's affordable housing shortage.

Governor Kelly Armstrong ordered all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of State Representative Cynthia Schreiber-Beck's burial following her death at age 70. Armstrong issued a statement characterizing Schreiber-Beck as embodying public service and noting her work on behalf of farmers, students, and North Dakotans across various sectors. The half-staff directive was to remain in effect until updated advisory information regarding funeral arrangements was released.

Gov. Armstrong issued seven line-item vetoes on six bills in May 2025, with several objections focused on provisions he determined encroached on executive authority or were improperly included in budget legislation. Armstrong vetoed a section of Senate Bill 2004 that would have provided broad immunity to lawmakers who voted on bills despite conflicts of interest, stating the provision "elevates internal legislative procedure above state law, effectively shielding lawmakers from accountability under our criminal code," while allowing a narrower immunity clause in the same bill to become law. Armstrong also vetoed provisions in House Bill 1003 related to the attorney general's budget, including a clause preventing district court judges from waiving fees for a sobriety program, citing constitutional concerns and noting the policy had previously failed as standalone legislation before being included in the budget bill.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong issued seven partial vetoes on May 19, 2025, affecting six bills during final legislative approval. Armstrong exercised line-item veto authority on provisions he characterized as policy matters rather than direct appropriations, including eliminating a section of the Ethics Commission budget that granted lawmakers immunity from prosecution for disclosure of conflicts of interest, and vetoing a provision in the attorney general's budget that would have restricted judges' ability to waive sobriety program fees. Armstrong also vetoed a $150,000 Native American homelessness liaison position in the Industrial Commission budget and a $250,000 Bank of North Dakota study on post-oil economic development in western counties.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1612 into law, establishing the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at the University of North Dakota. The center received $250,000 in startup funding and was created to provide FAA medical certification support and expand mental health services for aviation professionals across the state. The initiative emerged from increased awareness of aviation mental health challenges and aims to boost rural access, research, and collaboration with the FAA.

Armstrong signed legislation providing $3 million in funding to the Fargo National Cemetery, which will support construction of a building containing bathrooms, a gathering area, a chapel, and gallery space. Armstrong vetoed bills that would have directed public dollars to private schools and implemented book bans in libraries. The funding allocation was part of the 2025 North Dakota Legislative session.

Governor Armstrong prioritized property tax relief as a chief legislative goal during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session. The governor signed House Bill 1176 in early May 2025, which expanded the primary residence tax credit from $500 to a maximum of $1,600 and limited annual levy increases by local subdivisions to 3 percent, at a cost of nearly $409 million funded through the state's Legacy Fund. Armstrong stated in a post-session op-ed that the package represented "responsible, affordable and durable" relief and indicated that increasing the primary residence credit would remain an administration priority in future sessions as the Legacy Fund grows.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced on Friday that John Patrick "Pat" Traynor, executive director of the Dakota Medical Foundation, will serve as interim commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services effective June 2. Traynor will take a one-year civil service leave from the Dakota Medical Foundation to serve in the temporary position leading the state's largest agency. Traynor previously served as executive director of the North Dakota Workers Compensation Bureau from 1998 to 2000 and has since served as president of the Dakota Medical Foundation.

Governor Armstrong secured passage of House Bill 1176 during the 2025 legislative session, which expanded the primary tax credit from $500 to a maximum of $1,600 and capped local-level tax increases at 3 percent annually. Armstrong had prioritized property tax reform before and during his election campaign, making it a centerpiece of his first State of the State address in January 2025. In the final days of the session on May 2, the Legislature passed the measure, with Republican state senators crediting Armstrong's leadership as essential to the bill's success.

Governor Armstrong backed Senate Bill 2354, sponsored by Sen. Michelle Axtman, which took effect on August 1 and implements a "bell-to-bell" ban on cellphones in schools throughout North Dakota. The legislation aims to reduce classroom distractions and address concerns about the impact of phone use on student mental health and educational outcomes. Armstrong identified the cellphone ban as one of the significant legislative victories of his first session as governor.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Pat Traynor as interim commissioner of the state's Department of Health and Human Services on May 16, 2025, with Traynor's first day scheduled for June 2. Traynor, the executive director of the Dakota Medical Foundation, will take a yearlong civil service leave from his current position to serve in the cabinet role. The appointment follows the departure of Wayne Salter, who served as permanent commissioner for less than 11 months, and a search for a permanent replacement will continue throughout Traynor's tenure.

North Dakota lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2282 during the 2025 legislative session to establish a tax credit incentivizing businesses to provide child care stipends to employees. The tax credit allows employers offering this benefit to write off fifty percent of their child care contributions against their income taxes, with a maximum claim of one thousand dollars in child care subsidies per employee. Andrea Pfennig, vice president of government affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber, characterized the tax credit as a step toward supporting working families in the state.

Governor Kelly Armstrong supported Senate Bill 2354, which North Dakota lawmakers passed in 2025 and takes effect August 1. The law prohibits public school students from accessing cellphones and other electronic devices during the school day from "bell to bell," though school boards may establish their own policies for noninstructional time such as dances and sporting events. The law also requires school districts to collect data measuring the policy's impact on student behavior, mental health, disciplinary incidents, attendance, and academic performance.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation banning approval voting and ranked-choice voting in North Dakota, affecting all cities, counties, and political subdivisions statewide in elections for local, state, and federal offices. Fargo, the only city in the state using approval voting, had implemented the system after voters approved it in 2018 with 64% support and used it in municipal elections from 2020 through 2024. Armstrong stated the law was intended to create a consistent and easy-to-understand voter experience across the state to maintain election system trust.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong directed all state government agencies to fly the United States and state flags at half-staff on May 15, 2025, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day. Armstrong's directive aligned with a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump and National Police Week, May 11-17. Armstrong participated in the North Dakota Peace Officer Memorial Service on May 15 at the State Capitol in Bismarck, where he delivered remarks alongside Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Supreme Court Justice Douglas Bahr to honor the state's 69 fallen peace officers.

Governor Armstrong discussed his priorities following the 2025 North Dakota Legislative Session, which introduced more than 1,000 bills. Armstrong identified property tax relief and protection of legacy fund earnings as key areas requiring focus, and noted his support for allocating resources within the Industrial Commission budget to facilitate natural gas extraction and transport from the Bakken region. Armstrong also highlighted passage of legislation requiring bell-to-bell cell phone coverage for students and indicated he would consider calling a special legislative session if economic conditions warrant such action.

Governor Armstrong declared May 2025 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in North Dakota. The proclamation aimed to encourage education about bone health and disease prevention, as osteoporosis affects an estimated 54 million Americans by weakening inner bone strength and making bones porous and fragile. The declaration highlighted the importance of maintaining proper calcium intake and physical activity as preventive measures against the condition.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1020, which allocated $769 million in state funding to the North Dakota Department of Water Resources for water supply and flood control projects over a two-year period. The funding, drawn largely from the state's Resources Trust Fund derived from oil extraction taxes, supports regional water supply initiatives including the Red River Valley Water Supply Project and Western Area Water Supply, as well as flood mitigation efforts such as the Mouse River Flood Protection Plan. The bill also includes allocations for rural and municipal water supply infrastructure and general water management conveyance projects across the state.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed legislation abolishing approval voting and ranked-choice voting for local elections in North Dakota. Armstrong stated in signing the bill that the change was necessary to provide an "easy-to-understand voter experience" and maintain trust in the election system. The legislation, authored by Representative Ben Koppelman of West Fargo, eliminated a voting system that Fargo residents had previously approved by ballot measure.

Armstrong's administration spearheaded a property tax relief plan that the North Dakota Legislature passed during the 2025 session, expanding the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,600, implementing a 3% annual cap on levy increases by political subdivisions, and expanding the renter's refund. The plan costs the state approximately $408 million for the 2025-27 biennium, funded entirely through Legacy Fund revenue, and is projected to provide $465 million in primary residence tax relief, $1 million in renter relief, and $7.4 million in relief for disabled veterans. Armstrong stated that approximately three in four households would be eligible for the credit and one in three would have their property tax obligation eliminated.

Gov. Armstrong signed House Bill 1298 on May 5, 2025, which increases speeding fines in North Dakota while also raising interstate speed limits, effective August 1. The new law establishes a simplified fine structure with a minimum $20 penalty or $5 per mile over the speed limit on interstates, whichever is greater, plus an additional $20 for speeds exceeding 15 mph over the limit. The legislation replaces the previous complex tiered penalty system with uniform rates that increase fines across both interstate and other roadways.

During the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, Armstrong endorsed a property tax plan that provided $1,600 credits for primary residences and a 3% cap on property tax bill growth, which lawmakers passed during the closing hours. The plan was supported by the legislature and signed into law. Armstrong's endorsement contributed to the consensus around this property tax relief measure.

Governor Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540, a school choice bill passed by the North Dakota Legislature, which would have established a program providing educational funding to families selecting non-public school options. The bill had been modified during the legislative process to remove homeschool eligibility after feedback from the homeschool community requested exclusion from the program's language. Armstrong's veto prevented implementation of the education funding alternative that supporters argued would have expanded learning options for North Dakota families.

Governor Armstrong deployed the North Dakota National Guard to assist with wildfires on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in early May 2025. Two Black Hawk helicopters and a monitoring plane were utilized to help extinguish flames in forested areas north of Belcourt that firefighters could not reach by land. More than a dozen fires were active on the reservation, with half classified as large, though all were eventually contained.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1298 on May 5, 2025, increasing the interstate speed limit on Interstates 29 and 94 in North Dakota from 75 mph to 80 mph. The legislation also increased fines for speeding violations. This marked the first increase to North Dakota's interstate speed limit in more than two decades, aligning the state with neighboring Montana and South Dakota.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation that increases North Dakota's primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,600 annually, providing homeowners with up to $1,600 in annual property tax relief beginning in 2026. The $408 million bill also establishes a 3% annual cap on levy increases for political subdivisions including cities and school districts. Local officials expressed mixed concerns about the cap's impact, with some communities noting they have exceeded 3% annual increases in recent years and questioning their ability to maintain service levels under the new constraint.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1176 on May 3, 2025, legislation that increased the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,600 and established a 3 percent annual cap on local government tax increases. The bill was passed on the final day of the legislative session as part of a $20.3 billion overall budget. Armstrong stated the measure would provide property tax relief to residents beginning with their next annual property tax filings.

The North Dakota Legislature passed House Bill 1176 on May 2, 2025, a $408 million property tax relief measure that expands the primary residence tax credit from $500 to a maximum of $1,600 and caps annual levy increases by political subdivisions at 3 percent. The bill, originally introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe, is funded through earnings from the state's Legacy Fund oil tax savings account. Gov. Armstrong stated the legislation would support workforce recruitment and described it as the most impactful action for North Dakota citizens in the legislative session.

Governor Kelly Armstrong directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Sunday in observance of Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in North Dakota and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Armstrong's directive was issued in accordance with state law and a presidential proclamation issued by President Donald Trump. Armstrong, a former volunteer firefighter, stated that volunteer and career firefighters place themselves in harm's way to protect the lives and property of North Dakotans.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1224 on Thursday, legislation that allows law enforcement to assume the registered owner of a vehicle is driving if the vehicle flees from officers but is not stopped on the first offense. Vehicle owners may avoid the $100 fine for the initial fleeing incident by demonstrating to law enforcement that they were not operating the vehicle. Subsequent fleeing instances incur a $400 fine under the law, which was introduced following a reported increase in police chases, particularly in Fargo.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1229 on May 1, 2025, which authorizes law enforcement to issue fines to vehicle owners without confirming the identity of the driver when a vehicle flees from police. The legislation imposes a $100 fine for a first fleeing offense and $500 for subsequent offenses, though owners may dispute the fine by demonstrating they were not driving or that the vehicle was stolen. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025, and was enacted in response to a reported 200 percent increase in fleeing incidents in Fargo between 2019 and 2024.

Governor Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2265 on May 2, 2025, authorizing a $3 million loan from the Bank of North Dakota to the Fargo National Cemetery for infrastructure improvements. The loan will fund construction of a welcome center, parking lot, Veterans Memorial Center with chapel and gathering spaces, and other facilities at the cemetery located northwest of Fargo. The project is estimated to cost $3.7 million total, with the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard designated as the nonprofit of record to raise additional private funds and oversee the expansion.

House Bill 1486 to increase the speed limit on North Dakota interstates from 75 mph to 80 mph passed the Legislature narrowly and was sent to Governor Kelly Armstrong for consideration. The bill would raise speed limits on the state's two interstate highways, I-94 and I-29, and would also increase speeding fines for violations above the new limit. Armstrong's decision on whether to sign the bill was not immediately scheduled.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1216 on May 1, 2025, which requires insurance companies to count copayment assistance toward a health care benefit plan enrollee's deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. The bill was introduced by Representative Karen Karls and had been under consideration for two legislative sessions before passage. The legislation applies to patients needing prescriptions without a generic option and excludes those on self-insured plans.

House Bill 1298, which would increase the speed limit on North Dakota's two interstate highways from 75 mph to 80 mph, was sent to Governor Kelly Armstrong after passing the Legislature by narrow margins. The bill also modifies speeding violation fees, establishing a $20 minimum fine or $5 per mile per hour over the limit for speeds on highways with limits of 65 mph or higher, whichever is greater. Armstrong has not yet scheduled a decision on whether to sign the legislation.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1144 into law in May 2025, legislation that creates enforcement mechanisms for previous laws regulating pronoun and bathroom use in public schools while also prohibiting the construction of multi-stall, gender-neutral bathrooms in school facilities. The bill grandfathered in multi-stall, gender-neutral bathrooms constructed before July 1, 2025, exempting existing facilities from the prohibition. Armstrong had previously vetoed Senate Bill 2307, separate book-restriction legislation.

The Trump administration terminated approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding nationwide, affecting the Community Builder Program that places volunteers in communities across the country. The Souris Basin Planning Council stated it had received no prior indication that the program was out of compliance and was only informed that it "no longer effectuates agency priorities." AmeriCorps members affected by the termination were required to prematurely leave their service roles and immediately lost living stipends and other benefits.

Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2133 on April 30, 2025, authorizing North Dakota drivers to purchase blackout license plates featuring black backgrounds with white lettering. The plates will be available beginning August 1, 2025, at a cost of $25 plus standard registration fees, with customized lettering permitted but organizational logos prohibited. The Department of Transportation projects the legislation will generate approximately $6.7 million in revenue over four years while costing roughly $1.5 million to implement through 2029.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2166 into law on April 30, 2025, which authorizes drivers to obtain blackout license plates featuring white lettering on a dark background. The legislation allows vehicle owners an additional customization option for their license plates while generating revenue for the state's highway system. Armstrong stated that the blackout plates have proven popular in other states and provide drivers with an alternative to the standard white plates featuring the Badlands and American bison.

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Bill 1003, the Attorney General's Office budget, on April 29, 2025, without a section that would have established an electronic smoking device registry requiring products to meet specific FDA approval criteria. The House removed the registry provision after determining it was not worth pursuing a floor debate late in the legislative session, despite stated support in both chambers. The bill also retained a provision preventing district judges from waiving fees for offenders in the state's 24/7 sobriety program, a measure that had previously failed as a standalone bill earlier in the session.

Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2307, legislation that would have required publicly funded schools and libraries to place certain books out of the reach of minors. The bill was intended to restrict access to materials that supporters characterized as obscene in school and library settings. Armstrong's veto prevented the restriction from becoming law in North Dakota.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed three bills on Tuesday aimed at reducing recidivism and strengthening reentry services for individuals leaving the criminal justice system. House Bill 1324 establishes a deflection process to be used by government entities in conjunction with local mental health and substance use treatment services. House Bill 1416 limits indigent defense fees and a judge's ability to assign supervision fees as a condition of probation, and requires a study to review the fairness of fee structures.

Gov. Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2133 on April 30, 2025, authorizing North Dakota drivers to purchase blackout license plates featuring black backgrounds with white lettering. The plates will cost $25 each and become available starting August 1, 2025, with an estimated revenue generation of $6.7 million over four years to support highway system investments. The legislation allows customized lettering on the plates but prohibits logos for specialty or organizational groups.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong signed House Bill 1425 on April 29, 2025, establishing a "deflection" process that directs individuals toward community-based crisis services through mental health and substance use treatment rather than direct jail placement. The legislation was presented as part of a trio of bills designed to strengthen reentry services for individuals leaving the criminal justice system and address prison overcrowding. Armstrong stated the approach centered on "accountability, recovery and reentry" as a practical public safety strategy.

Governor Armstrong signed three bills on Tuesday aimed at improving recovery and reentry practices for individuals leaving the criminal justice system. The legislation expands access to treatment-based alternatives to incarceration, establishes a process for offenders to obtain identification, and waives certain criminal justice fees. The bills also direct the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to conduct further studies prior to the 2027 legislative session.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2160 on April 28, 2025, which would have modified the state's health insurance plan for employees. Armstrong stated in his veto message that the current health plan represents one of the state's strongest recruitment and retention tools, and that the bill would replace it with a more expensive alternative. The governor noted that the proposed plan switch was estimated to cost at least $40.9 million every two years.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1319, which requires the State Investment Board to maintain a publicly accessible website listing all Legacy Fund investments. The Legacy Fund, valued at approximately $12 billion as of January 31, was created nearly 15 years ago to supplement oil and gas revenue. Armstrong stated when signing the bill that North Dakotans should not have to "hunt to find out where taxpayer dollars are being invested on their behalf."

Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed a bill that would have required libraries to restrict access to certain books in areas accessible to minors. This veto mirrors Armstrong's predecessor's similar action in 2023 on library content legislation. The bill sought to limit minors' access to materials in public library collections.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed legislation on April 23, 2025, that shields agrochemical manufacturer Bayer from certain lawsuits alleging that its Roundup product failed to warn consumers of cancer risks. The law, effective August 1, 2025, declares that a federally approved pesticide label satisfies state law requirements to warn customers and applies broadly to other pesticides with federal approval. North Dakota became the first state to enact such legislation, though similar bills have been introduced in other states including Georgia.

Governor Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2307, legislation that would have required public and school libraries to place books considered obscene or sexually explicit in areas not easily accessible to minors and to implement safeguards for online databases. The North Dakota State Senate failed to override Armstrong's veto in a 25-to-20 vote, falling short of the 32 votes needed for an override. The bill would have withheld public funding from or resulted in prosecution of libraries that failed to comply with its requirements.

Governor Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540, an Education Savings Account bill that would have provided $1,107 to $3,900 to nonpublic or homeschool families for educational expenses based on income, stating the bill "falls short" of providing true school choice and referencing Senate Bill 2400 as an alternative option. The North Dakota House of Representatives subsequently voted 78-14 to defeat Senate Bill 2400, which would have established ESAs providing at least $1,000 to all North Dakota school children with higher amounts available to nonpublic school attendees based on family income, at an estimated cost of approximately $110 million. The House voted 48-45 to sustain Armstrong's veto of House Bill 1540 on the preceding day, falling short of the 63 votes required to override.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation designed to address delays in the health insurance prior authorization process, which requires patients to obtain approval from their insurance company before undergoing certain medical procedures or receiving medications. Prior authorization allows insurers to review whether a requested service or medication is medically necessary, though some doctors, patients, and advocates have stated the process can prevent access to needed care or result in delayed or foregone treatment. The bill aims to establish protections against these delays in North Dakota's health coverage system.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2280 into law on April 23, 2025, which establishes requirements for the prior authorization process used by health insurance plans. The law imposes seven-day deadlines for non-urgent prior authorization decisions and 72-hour deadlines for urgent requests, and requires that any denials be made by licensed physicians rather than artificial intelligence or insurance company analysts. The legislation takes effect on January 1, 2026, and passed with near-unanimous support in both chambers of the state legislature.

Governor Armstrong was presented with House Bill 1143, legislation that would allocate $5 million in state funding to the Great Plains Food Bank for construction of a new statewide distribution center. The proposed facility would focus on serving rural and underserved communities across North Dakota. The bill awaited Armstrong's signature as of the article's publication date in April 2025.

Governor Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540, which would have created educational savings accounts for private school students beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 48-to-45 to sustain the veto, falling short of the two-thirds majority required to override it. The House also defeated Senate Bill 2400, an alternate version of the educational savings account proposal, on the same day.

The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 79-64 on April 25, 2025, to reject Senate Bill 2400, an Education Savings Account bill that would have made ESAs available to all North Dakota school children. Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed an alternative ESA bill, House Bill 1604, the previous day, stating that the bill fell short of providing true school choice in the state. The House vote to sustain Armstrong's veto concluded consideration of education savings account legislation in the 2025 legislative session.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong signed House Bill 1160 on Friday, enacting a "bell-to-bell" ban on personal communication devices in public K-12 schools during the entire school day. The legislation directs schools to adopt policies prohibiting the use of smartphones, gaming devices, and similar electronic devices during instructional time, with limited exceptions for field trips, sporting events, bus rides, and school dances. The bill also allocates approximately $1.4 million in Department of Public Instruction budget funding for schools to apply for grants to implement the device restriction policies.

Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed House Bill 1540, which would have established educational savings accounts for private school students only, stating the bill did not sufficiently expand school choice. The following day, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted 78-14 to strike down Senate Bill 2400, a separate proposal that would have created educational savings accounts for most students attending public or private schools, providing between $500 and $3,500 annually over a biennium at a cost of up to $110 million. House lawmakers subsequently rejected an attempt to delay the vote on whether to override Armstrong's veto of House Bill 1540.

Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1160 on April 25, 2025, requiring North Dakota K-12 public schools to adopt policies prohibiting the use of personal communication devices during the entire school day, from the first bell to the last bell. The legislation directs schools to restrict access to smartphones, gaming devices, and similar electronics during instructional time, with additional authority to restrict devices during field trips, sporting events, bus rides, and school dances. Armstrong stated he also supports Senate Bill 2354, which contains identical restrictions but extends the mandate to private schools as well.

Governor Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2307, legislation that would have established a process for challenging books in libraries and schools based on complaints filed by individuals from anywhere in the country, citing concerns that the bill would subject librarians and educators to civil and criminal penalties under an unworkable framework. Armstrong also vetoed House Bill 1540, school choice legislation he characterized as limited to private school tuition, stating he would instead support Senate Bill 2400, which would create education savings accounts available to all students for a broader range of approved education expenses. Armstrong stated his position on the book ban veto by describing himself as a free speech absolutist and expressing concern about the absence of oversight mechanisms for those implementing content restrictions.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed two bills into law that officially classified emergency dispatchers as first responders in North Dakota, making the state the 20th to adopt this designation. The legislation also added dispatchers to the state's public safety retirement plan, a change officials stated would improve recruitment and retention at emergency communication centers across the state. The bills took effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to dispatchers hired on or after that date.

A federal judge ruled in favor of North Dakota in its lawsuit against the federal government stemming from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests of 2016 and 2017, ordering the United States to pay approximately $28 million in damages. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor determined that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' actions and inactions created a public nuisance that enabled civil trespass and imposed costs on the state. The ruling addressed expenses North Dakota incurred during the protests near the Standing Rock Reservation and marked the first instance of a court ruling in favor of a state against the federal government in trial, according to statements from U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2307 on April 23, 2025, legislation that would have required public and school libraries to relocate materials deemed "offensively sexual" to areas not easily accessible to minors. In his veto letter, Armstrong characterized the bill as "redundant" and "overly burdensome," citing concerns about implementation costs and the difficult position it would place on librarians, schools, and state's attorneys. The bill had passed the Senate 27-20 and the House 49-45, and would require a two-thirds legislative majority to override Armstrong's veto.

A federal judge ruled that the United States must pay the state of North Dakota approximately $28 million in damages for law enforcement and other costs incurred during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016 and 2017. Judge Daniel Traynor determined that North Dakota met its burden in the case, finding that the Army Corps of Engineers acted negligently by giving a false impression that it had issued a Special Use Permit for protestors. Governor Armstrong's office reported the ruling, which Traynor characterized as resulting in "countless instances of civil trespass."

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2407, legislation that would have required public libraries, including school libraries, to relocate books deemed "offensively sexual" to areas not easily accessible to minors. In his veto letter, Armstrong stated that the bill represented "a misguided attempt to legislate morality through overreach and censorship" and that determining book placement would consume time, money, and taxpayer resources better used elsewhere. The veto came on Wednesday as Armstrong appeared as a guest on the "Plain Talk" podcast, where he characterized himself as a "free speech absolutist."

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong requested $2.35 million in state funding for security upgrades to the governor's residence, with approximately $1.6 million allocated for a new fence and landscaping and $750,000 for a driveway extension. The funding request was submitted through House Bill 1015, the budget bill for the Office of Management and Budget, which oversees state facilities. According to the Office of Management and Budget director, the fence and driveway improvements were necessary because the original installations had been reduced in scope during the mansion's construction in 2018 to remain within budget constraints.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong requested $2.35 million in state funding for security updates to the governor's residence, located on the State Capitol grounds. The proposed project includes a $1.5 million new fence and landscaping effort, as well as a $540,000 driveway extension. The Office of Management and Budget, which oversees state facilities financing, is processing the request through House Bill 1001 for the 2025 budget cycle.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation on Wednesday establishing the legal framework for charter schools in North Dakota, making them available as an alternative to traditional public schools within the state. Charter schools operate as specialized versions of public schools with flexible governance, curriculum, and teaching methods, though they are prohibited from offering religion-based curriculum and receive state funding based on student enrollment without funding for facility construction or maintenance. The legislation enables charter schools to begin the application process with the Department of Public Instruction, with projections that the first school could open by the following fall.

The North Dakota legislature approved House Bill 1165, which would require mail-in absentee ballots to be received by an election officer by the time polls close on Election Day rather than within 15 days after the election. The League of Women Voters of North Dakota requested that Governor Armstrong veto the bill, stating it would create obstacles for rural voters, Native American voters, seniors, and voters with disabilities. The amendment was made to comply with a March 2024 executive order issued by President Donald Trump that prohibits states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day.

The North Dakota House of Representatives voted on Monday to advance House Bill 1540 to the governor's desk. The bill establishes an education savings account program that would provide public funds for private school tuition on an income-based model, with eligibility determined by family income thresholds relative to the federal poverty line. Senate amendments modified the bill's cost by adjusting the dispersal of funding to a graduated model based on household income levels.

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Bill 1332 on April 21, 2025, by a vote of 72-17, authorizing a $30 million incentive for large agricultural developments, with the bill subsequently transmitted to Governor Armstrong's desk for consideration. The bill provides funding in two installments—the first upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy and the second upon the facility reaching 50 percent of production capacity—with the grant available for capital expenditures, infrastructure, and site acquisition. The legislation includes an emergency clause that allows enactment upon the governor's signature rather than the standard August effective date, enabling construction to proceed without delay.

The North Dakota House of Representatives voted on April 21, 2025, to advance House Bill 1540 to the governor after concurring with Senate amendments that restructured the program's funding model. HB 1540 would establish an income-based school choice program providing public funds for private school tuition, with eligible households receiving between 10% and 35% of the state's per-pupil payment amount depending on family income relative to the federal poverty line. The program would be limited to children attending private schools, with the lowest-income households receiving approximately $3,900 and the highest-income eligible households receiving approximately $1,107.

House Bill 1540, sponsored by Rep. Ben Koppelman, would provide private school tuition subsidies ranging from approximately $1,100 to $4,000 per student depending on family income and was headed to Gov. Kelly Armstrong's desk for signature or veto. The legislation would make funds available only to families choosing private schools, which serve approximately 13,690 students compared to over 118,000 in public schools across North Dakota. Armstrong retains discretion over whether to sign the bill into law, with potential for voter referendum if the measure is enacted.

Governor Armstrong recommended an allocation of more than $2.8 million for Prairie Public in the Office of Management and Budget bill. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended providing $850,000, significantly less than Armstrong's recommendation, which Prairie Public officials stated would cover only infrastructure costs and not operational expenses. The OMB bill remained pending in the Senate before returning to the House for consideration.

Governor Armstrong recommended $300 million in funding to build a new State Hospital in Jamestown to address North Dakota's statewide mental health bed shortage. The House proposed $330 million for the project under House Bill 1012 within the Department of Health and Human Services budget, which would support 165 beds, while the Senate proposed $285 million under House Bill 1015 within the Management budget. As of late April 2025, the two chambers remained in negotiations to reach a compromise on the project's funding level and administrative oversight.

Attorney General Wrigley sought authorization for a task force on sentencing, corrections, and parole oversight through an amendment to House Bill 1003, his office's budget bill. The task force would convene during the interim between the 2025 and 2027 legislative sessions and would be composed of members selected by Wrigley and his allies. This action followed the defeat of Wrigley's Senate Bill 2128 on mandatory sentencing in the House and the Legislature's authorization of a separate study on sentencing issues through Senate Bill 2015.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2241 into law on Monday, establishing a framework for charter schools in North Dakota and making the state the 47th to legalize them. The legislation authorizes public charter schools that operate with flexible governance, curriculum, and teaching methods while prohibiting religious-based instruction, with applicants required to demonstrate community interest and go through an approval process with the Department of Public Instruction. Charter schools receive per-student state funding but cannot use state funds for facility construction or maintenance.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation capping the monthly price of insulin at $25 and establishing the same price ceiling for insulin supplies. The bill applies to North Dakotans obtaining these medications and related supplies. Armstrong signed the measure in April 2025.

The North Dakota Senate voted 25-21 on April 18, 2025, to pass House Bill 1298, which would increase the interstate speed limit from 75 mph to 80 mph on Interstates 29 and 94, marking the first increase in over two decades. The bill also restructures the state's speeding fine system, replacing a tiered structure with a flat $5 fine per mile per hour over the limit on all roads, and increases point penalties for driving violations including following too closely, phone use while driving, and unsafe overtaking. The measure now awaits Governor Kelly Armstrong's signature and must be reconciled with the House version, which passed in January with a vote of 69-22 but did not include the fine and penalty changes.

Governor Armstrong addressed an audience at the University of North Dakota on April 16, 2025, stating that North Dakota's energy reserves position the state to influence technology companies' policies on fossil fuels and related matters as those firms seek to establish data centers in the state. Armstrong also discussed North Dakota's ongoing dispute with Minnesota regarding that state's carbon-free energy standard by 2040, noting that North Dakota had warned Minnesota the requirement was unlawful. Throughout his remarks, Armstrong emphasized the role of North Dakota's oil, gas, and lignite coal industries in supporting economic development in the western part of the state.

On April 17, 2025, Governor Armstrong signed legislation classifying emergency dispatchers in North Dakota as first responders, a change that had not previously been official recognition in the state. Armstrong also signed a second bill making dispatchers eligible to enroll in the public safety retirement plan, a defined pension plan previously unavailable to them. Both measures take effect on August 1, 2025.

Governor Armstrong addressed data center development in North Dakota at a University of North Dakota event on April 16, 2025, stating that the state's energy reserves provide leverage to influence technology firms' positions on fossil fuels and related policies. Armstrong noted that tech companies' demand for North Dakota energy means their "ideology will change real quick" when they require the state's resources for profitability. Armstrong also referenced ongoing warnings to Minnesota regarding its carbon-free energy standard, stating that North Dakota had cautioned the state that its requirement is unlawful.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1297 on April 16, 2025, banning the use of ranked choice voting and approval voting in all elections statewide, including local, state, and federal offices. The legislation received wide support in both the House and Senate. The bill eliminates approval voting in Fargo, which had adopted the system through a 2018 ballot measure and used it in mayoral and City Commission elections from 2020 through 2024.

The North Dakota House of Representatives approved House Bill 1361 in an 87-to-4 vote, establishing mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of human trafficking in district courts, ranging from five years for B felonies to 20 years for AA felonies. The bill was sent to Governor Armstrong's desk along with House Bill 1429, which unanimously passed and modifies stalking and harassment laws to include illegal use of robots or drones for harassment purposes. Armstrong has signed 358 bills as of the time this article was published.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong signed House Bill 1346 on Wednesday, enacting a statewide ban on ranked choice voting and approval voting in all elections. The legislation received broad support in both the state House and Senate. Armstrong stated that the measure ensures a uniform, efficient, and easy-to-understand voter experience across all levels of government in North Dakota.

Senate Bill 2307 passed the North Dakota House on April 14, 2025, and was sent to Gov. Kelly Armstrong's desk for signature. The bill would require schools and public libraries to make materials classified as "offensively sexual" inaccessible to children and would establish a complaint process allowing any person to request library review of materials they find offensive, with enforcement authority granted to local state's attorneys. Local librarians, including West Fargo Public Library Director Jenna Kahly, urged Armstrong not to sign the legislation, citing constitutional concerns and noting that similar provisions in other states have been struck down as unconstitutional.

The North Dakota state legislature passed House Bill 1588, which made minor changes to the definition of a dangerous weapon and penalties for possessing one at public locations including schools and churches. The final version removed several provisions from earlier drafts, including a ban on binary triggers in the commission of a crime, after senators voted to exclude this language. The bill was sent to Governor Armstrong's desk awaiting signature.

The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 50-to-41 to reject a motion to reconsider passage of a bill restricting sexually explicit content in public and school libraries. The bill, which passed 49-to-45 on the previous day, requires books deemed sexually explicit or obscene to be placed in areas inaccessible to children, with libraries facing loss of public funding or prosecution for noncompliance. The measure awaits action from Governor Armstrong.

The North Dakota House passed Senate Bill 2307 on April 14, 2025, by a vote of 49-45, requiring school and public libraries to relocate materials containing "offensively sexual" content to areas not easily accessible to minors, such as locked cabinets or higher shelves. The bill appropriates $2 million in funding and extends restrictions previously applied only to public libraries under a 2023 law to school libraries as well. The House passage occurred despite a House Appropriations Committee recommendation against the bill by a 22-1 vote.

Senate Bill 2307, which restricts access to sexually explicit or obscene materials in public and school libraries by requiring such materials to be placed in areas inaccessible to children, passed the North Dakota House in a 49-to-45 vote and was sent to Governor Armstrong's desk for signature. The bill includes provisions regulating online resources provided through libraries to prevent minors from accessing adult material and establishes criminal penalties and loss of state funding for libraries that fail to comply. If signed by Armstrong, the law would take effect in 2026 and would require approximately $2 million in expenditures over four years to modify the state's online information network for libraries.

Rep. Emily O'Brien introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 2025 that would move the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs from an independent board structure to the governor's office after the Administrative Committee on Veterans' Affairs approved a 45% pay raise for Commissioner Lonnie Wangen without legislative authorization. The raise increased Wangen's salary from over $94,000 to over $136,000 annually, exceeding the 6% and 4% salary increases that lawmakers appropriated for the DVA during the biennium. If enacted, the amendment would place the DVA and its approximately $4 million budget under gubernatorial control and make the commissioner position a cabinet-level role serving at the governor's pleasure rather than at the pleasure of ACOVA.

The North Dakota House passed legislation providing a $16 million grant to CHI St. Alexius Bismarck for the construction of a 30-bed behavioral health unit expansion, which lawmakers sent to Governor Kelly Armstrong's desk for consideration. The expansion would increase the facility's total behavioral health capacity to 48 beds and focus on serving adolescents in central North Dakota and Stark County. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2025 with completion expected one year later.

The North Dakota Legislature passed House Bill 1297, which would prohibit cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from using ranked-choice or approval voting methods in local elections. The bill specifically targets approval voting, which is currently used in Fargo for city elections, and ranked-choice voting, which is not presently used anywhere in the state. Governor Armstrong will decide whether to sign or veto the legislation, following a similar bill that former Governor Burgum vetoed in 2023.

Governor Armstrong stated his support for a charter school bill that passed the North Dakota House in a 64-to-29 vote on April 8, 2025, which would establish a framework for charter schools to operate in the state as specialized public schools with flexible governance and curricula. Armstrong indicated he does not believe state funding would be an issue, citing his proposal for an education budget increase. The bill, which would make North Dakota the 47th state to legalize charter schools, requires charter schools to be open to all applicants and prohibits religious-based curricula, with oversight through an application process managed by the Department of Public Instruction.

The North Dakota Legislature passed House Bill 1160 and Senate Bill 2354 on April 7, 2025, directing schools to establish policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices including smartphones, smartwatches, and gaming devices during the entire school day. Students would be required to store devices in secured areas, with exemptions for medical and special education needs, while schools could also restrict device access during field trips, sporting events, and bus rides. The legislation allocated $1.5 million within the Department of Public Instruction budget for schools to apply for grants to purchase device storage solutions such as phone pouches.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong visited the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation on Monday alongside South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden to discuss federal and state policies, tour Fort Yates, and address infrastructure concerns. During the visit, Armstrong stated his position that reducing federal government involvement would enable faster implementation of solutions for the tribes. Armstrong also noted his belief that former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum's role as Interior Secretary could benefit the tribes.

Governor Armstrong vetoed a bill that would have provided tax credits for businesses purchasing items manufactured in part by prison inmates, citing concerns that the measure would give a state agency that employs inmates an unfair advantage over other manufacturers. The North Dakota House voted 78 to 15 to sustain the veto, failing to achieve the two-thirds majority required to override the governor's action. This marked Armstrong's first veto as governor.

AARP called on North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong to sign House Bill 1447, which would regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator licensing, fraud warnings on machines, and mandatory printed receipts. The bill responds to concerns about cryptocurrency-related scams, with the FBI reporting Americans lost over $5.6 billion to such scams in 2023, including approximately $6 million in North Dakota. AARP stated the measure would provide consumer protections particularly for older residents and vulnerable populations targeted by crypto kiosk fraud schemes.

Senate Bill 2180, which requires all local political boards and subdivisions in North Dakota to provide public comment periods at regular meetings, was approved by the House 85-4 and the Senate 41-6 before being amended and returned to the Senate for final consideration. If the Senate concurs with the amended version, the bill will be sent to Governor Kelly Armstrong for signature. The bill permits governing bodies to establish their own rules regarding time limits and orderly conduct during public comment periods.

Armstrong signed legislation expanding forensic nurse examiner services to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse across North Dakota, following a successful pilot program that had limited geographic availability. The bill extended the time frame for victims to receive forensic medical treatment from 96 hours to 120 hours. The legislation was sponsored by the Children's Advocacy Center, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition, and Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler.

Governor Kelly Armstrong received Senate Bill 2398, legislation sponsored by Sen. Jeff Barta that creates military impact zones adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base, Camp Grafton, and Cavalier Space Force Station, along with oversight committees for proposed development within those zones. The bill emerged from concerns about wind farm developments near military installations and lessons from the failed Fufeng corn processing facility project, which the Air Force determined posed security risks due to its proximity to Grand Forks Air Force Base. If signed by Armstrong, the legislation would establish a regulatory framework to coordinate future development with military operational needs in the affected regions.

Governor Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2261 on March 21, 2025, which would have established a non-refundable tax credit for prison industries workforce development. Armstrong stated in his veto message that the bill created an uneven playing field by giving Rough Rider Industries a competitive advantage over out-of-state manufacturers and raised potential constitutional concerns under the Dormant Commerce Clause. The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 78-15 on April 3, 2025, to sustain Armstrong's veto, preventing the legislation from becoming law.

Governor Armstrong backed House Bill 1176, introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe, which provided a $1,450 tax credit for primary residences funded by Legacy Fund earnings and was designed to grow over time to eventually replace entire property tax bills for most North Dakota homeowners. The bill received unanimous endorsement from the Senate Finance and Tax Committee but was amended in the Appropriations Committee, where Majority Leader David Hogue reduced the maximum credit to $1,250 and capped it at no more than 75% of a homeowner's property tax bill. The amended version passed the Senate on April 3, 2025.

North Dakota state and corrections officials broke ground on April 2, 2025, for the Heart River Correctional Center, a new women's prison to be constructed in Mandan. The 146,400-square-foot facility will be built adjacent to the existing Heart River Correctional Center and is designed to replace the aging women's prison in New England, located approximately 25 miles south of Dickinson. Upon completion, the facility will contain 302 beds, which is 198 more than the current New England facility, and will include space for volunteer programs, treatment services, vocational and career development, and programming addressing trauma.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1503, referred to as Tyanna's Law, into law on Wednesday. The bill upgrades the felony charge for inflicting bodily injury while driving under the influence from a Class C to a Class B felony, increasing the maximum incarceration from five years to ten years. The legislation was inspired by Minot teenager Tyanna Weeks, who suffered life-threatening injuries in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver under the influence, and takes effect August 1.

Gov. Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2261, which sought to create a prison industries workforce development tax credit, a nonrefundable tax credit supporting prison industries. Armstrong stated in his veto message that any tax policy creating such a carve-out must be tied to a significant outcome benefiting the state's economic interests, and that the bill failed to meet this standard while raising legal concerns. The North Dakota House of Representatives voted to sustain Armstrong's veto on Thursday, preventing the legislation from becoming law.

The North Dakota Senate voted 46-1 on April 2, 2025, to concur on Senate Bill 2398, which creates "impact zones" around military installations including Air Force bases at Minot and Grand Forks, Camp Grafton, and the Cavalier Space Force Station. The bill establishes a committee comprising the state agriculture commissioner, county representatives, township representatives, city representatives, and military commanders to review developments that could affect military operations in designated zones. SB 2398 now proceeds to Governor Kelly Armstrong's desk for final action.

House Bill 1561, brought by Rep. Steven Swiontek, R-Fargo, was approved by the North Dakota Senate on April 1, 2025, and advanced to Gov. Kelly Armstrong for approval or veto. The bill requires commercial entities housing sexually explicit content constituting one-third or more of their websites to implement age verification systems using digitized identification or commercially reasonable alternatives to prevent access by minors. Companies failing to administer age checks would face civil penalties, though the requirements do not apply to news organizations or internet service providers merely providing access to such content.

Governor Armstrong is pushing a "bell to bell" ban on cellphones in North Dakota schools, with the policy inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation." The proposed legislation aims to make state government responsible for enforcing phone restrictions rather than placing that burden on educators. Armstrong's initiative is based on research documenting the effects of phones and social media on student mental health and academic performance.

The North Dakota Senate approved House Bill 1561 on April 1, 2025, which establishes a process to hold companies liable if they fail to verify the ages of users accessing websites with sexually explicit content. Under the bill, entities housing such material must implement age verification systems to shield minors from access to what the legislation defines as harmful sexual material. The measure was sent to the governor for consideration following Senate passage.

Governor Armstrong requested that North Dakota lawmakers amend two bills limiting cell phone use in schools to require phones be locked up rather than merely restricted during the day. The bills had been introduced by state lawmakers in response to concerns about cell phone distractions in classrooms. Both the House and Senate were scheduled to vote on the amended legislation at a later date.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services lost approximately $3.2 million in federal funding for substance-use treatment and mental health programs after the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration rescinded block grants on March 24, 2025, pursuant to President Donald Trump's executive order empowering the Department of Government Efficiency to reduce federal spending. The grants, originally issued under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, were terminated with notification provided via email the evening of the rescission. The department indicated that 42 grantees statewide would be affected and stated its focus would shift to identifying alternative funding sources and coordinating with providers to sustain services.

North Dakota State Superintendent Baesler authored an opinion piece supporting Senate Bill 2354 and House Bill 1160, legislation that would limit student access to personal electronic devices during school hours with exceptions for medical and learning needs. Baesler noted that Governor Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden have publicly supported the bills. The proposed legislation aims to create consistent, school-wide policies regarding device use rather than placing enforcement responsibility on individual teachers.

Governor Armstrong supported House Bill 1176, a property tax bill expected to receive a Senate vote during the week of March 31, 2025. Armstrong also backed education committee bills covering charter schools and education savings accounts scheduled for consideration that week. Armstrong vetoed legislation providing tax incentives for businesses that purchase items partially made by prison inmates, and the House planned to vote on overriding this veto.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2238, which allows individuals to petition for eviction records to be sealed seven years after a court order if no subsequent evictions have occurred. The legislation also permits courts to seal eviction records for individuals who were evicted as a result of domestic violence. The bill became effective upon Armstrong's signature in March 2025.

Governor Armstrong vetoed a bill that would have provided tax credits to businesses purchasing items manufactured in part by prison inmates, stating the measure gave a particular state agency that employs inmates an advantage over other manufacturers. The North Dakota Senate voted to override Armstrong's veto on March 27, 2025. The bill now proceeds to the House, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to complete the override after narrowly falling short on a previous attempt.

Armstrong expressed a position on House Bill 1176, legislation sponsored by majority leaders and appropriations chairs that would provide property tax relief and reform in North Dakota. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to recommend amendments to the bill that would cap the maximum primary residence tax credit at $1,250 instead of $1,450 and limit credits to 75% of homeowner liability, departing from Armstrong's original recommendations. Armstrong stated that the amended bill constituted a significant reduction in property tax relief for homeowners.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding amendments to House Bill 1176, legislation he had backed that proposed a property tax credit funded by Legacy Fund earnings. The amendments reduced the primary residence credit from $1,550 to $1,250, capped the credit at 75 percent of tax bills, and added intent language directing future Legacy Fund earnings toward tax relief for agricultural and commercial properties. Armstrong stated his objection to the amendments, arguing that Legacy Fund dollars should not be used for tax relief for out-of-state property owners and businesses.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong held a media briefing to introduce the "Bell to Bell" proposal, legislation designed to prohibit cellphones in classrooms with limited exceptions for students with documented needs. The amendments to existing bills dealing with cellphone use in class were submitted to House and Senate education committees for consideration. Armstrong stated that removing cellphones from schools would increase face-to-face social interaction among students and characterized the measure as the most impactful action of the legislative session.

Governor Kelly Armstrong vetoed Senate Bill 2261, which would have created a non-refundable tax credit to support the prison industries workforce development program at the State Penitentiary. Armstrong stated the bill created an uneven playing field by giving Rough Rider Industries, a self-sustaining state agency, an unfair competitive advantage over out-of-state manufacturers in violation of the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The North Dakota Senate voted 43-2 on March 27, 2025, to override the governor's veto, surpassing the two-thirds majority required.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong expressed support for pending legislation in both the state House and Senate that would require all public school students to store cellphones in lockers, secure pouches, or designated containers during the school day. Armstrong stated at a press conference on March 26, 2025, that the bill "does the most good for the most kids in public school" and noted that the proposal has garnered support from students, teachers, school officials, and parents across the education system. The legislation includes exemptions for students with documented medical needs or those using devices as part of their educational programs.

The North Dakota Senate passed legislation providing a $30 million incentive for large agricultural facilities, with the bill receiving a 43-3 vote on March 25, 2025. The measure allows the Agristo potato processing company to apply for grants paid in two installments upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy and upon reaching 50 percent production capacity, with funds usable for capital expenditures, infrastructure, and site acquisition. The bill now awaits signature by Governor Kelly Armstrong and would remain valid through the biennium ending in June 2029.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong testified before the House and Senate Education Committees on March 26, 2025, in support of Senate Bill 1254 and House Bill 1010, both of which would eliminate student cellphone use during the school day in public schools. Armstrong also held a press conference on the same day to advocate for the legislation. Armstrong stated that bringing such a substantial policy change through an amendment was necessary and called for cellphones to be removed from schools.

Governor Armstrong voiced support for Senate Bill 2354, sponsored by Senator Michelle Axtman, and House Bill 1160, sponsored by Representative Jim Jonas, both of which would require North Dakota school districts to establish policies governing cell phone usage during school hours. Senate Bill 2354 addresses personal electronic devices broadly, including tablets and laptops, while House Bill 1160 focuses specifically on cell phones. Both bills include exceptions for devices used for health-related purposes such as glucose monitoring and for students with individual education programs or individual learning plans.

The North Dakota Senate passed a $30 million agricultural incentive bill on March 25, 2025, by a vote of 43-3, which would provide grants to large agricultural processing facilities in the state. The bill, which previously passed the House on an 82-8 vote in February, now awaits signature by Governor Kelly Armstrong and would allow the Belgian potato processor Agristo to apply for grants of up to $30 million for its proposed Grand Forks facility, paid out upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy and upon reaching 50 percent production capacity. The grant would be funded through a line of credit extended by the Bank of North Dakota to the agriculture commissioner from the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund and would be valid through the biennium ending in June 2029.

Governor Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2149, which allows school districts located on Air Force bases to access low-interest loans from the Bank of North Dakota reserved for public schools. The legislation enables Grand Forks Public Schools to finance its 20% share of construction costs for facilities serving students at Grand Forks Air Force Base, including Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School. The signing represented one of few legislative victories for the district during the 2025 session.

Colby Braun, director of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Monday regarding Senate Bill 2108, stating that the legislation would require violent offenders, drug traffickers, and sex offenders to serve at least half of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole, and would result in overcrowding of transitional facilities. Braun told the committee that the bill would lead to increased violence and recidivism among incarcerated individuals. Attorney General Drew Wrigley characterized Braun's statements as "blatant fear-mongering" and stated that his bill has "strong support" in the House, with the Senate having passed the measure in a vote of 28-19 the previous month.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation expanding Silver Alert coverage in North Dakota. The bill grants law enforcement authority to activate Silver Alerts for any missing elderly adult who may be in grave danger, removing the previous requirement for professional documentation of cognitive impairment. The bill also establishes definitions for when Amber and Blue Alerts can be activated.

Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2098, legislation that expands the criteria for issuing Silver Alerts in North Dakota to include missing elderly adults believed to be in grave danger of serious bodily harm or death, or at law enforcement's discretion based on particular circumstances. The bill was enacted following the 2023 disappearance and death of 81-year-old Lloyd Liken, whose family had requested a Silver Alert that could not be issued under the previous requirement of a clinical dementia diagnosis. The legislation, which passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously, takes effect August 1, 2025.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong testified in support of House Bill 1176 in the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on March 17, 2025, which encompasses his property tax relief and reform plan. HB1176 would expand the primary residence property tax credit from $500 to $1,450, increase income limits for the Homestead Property Tax Credit, expand the Renters Refund credit from $400 to $600 annually, and implement a 3% cap on property tax rollover authority for local entities. The bill received a unanimous "do pass" recommendation from the Senate Finance and Tax Committee with an estimated fiscal impact of $503.3 million in property tax relief during the 2025-2027 biennium.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued his first veto on March 21, 2025, rejecting Senate Bill 2261, which sought to establish a non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the cost of components or labor purchased from prison industries. Armstrong stated the credit would create an unfair competitive advantage for Rough Rider Industries, a state prison manufacturing agency, potentially violating the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against interstate commerce. The governor also noted the tax credit would reduce state revenue and shift tax burden to other taxpayers without delivering significant economic benefits to justify the policy change.

Governor Kelly Armstrong endorsed a lease agreement between Grand Forks County's expanded correctional facility and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, signed by the Grand Forks County Commission on March 18, 2025. The arrangement will provide the state guaranteed access to jail beds to address overcrowding in state prisons while generating approximately $2.6 million in annual revenue for the county. The formal agreement is expected to be finalized in spring 2025 upon completion of the county's jail expansion.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong issued his first veto on March 21, 2025, rejecting Senate Bill 2261, which sought to establish a prison industries workforce development tax credit. Armstrong stated in his veto message that the credit would have created an incentive to purchase components from Rough Rider Industries, a self-sustaining state agency at the State Penitentiary, thereby potentially violating the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against out-of-state manufacturers. Armstrong noted that the tax credit would decrease state revenue and further burden taxpayers already paying taxes at higher rates.

Armstrong signed House Bill 1539 at an event in Ellendale, North Dakota on March 19, 2025. The legislation exempts on-site backup electric generation exceeding 50 megawatts that is not connected to the power grid from regulation under the North Dakota Public Service Commission's Siting Act, effective August 1, 2025. The signing took place during a tour of Applied Digital's data center facility, which the company is expanding with planned investments of approximately $20 billion on a 320-acre site in Ellendale.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to return education authority to individual states. The order, which requires Congressional action for complete closure, would reduce the department's functions to basic operations including student loan administration, Pell Grants, and special education resources. Local school district leaders in the Fargo-Moorhead area stated they are monitoring developments but cannot yet determine specific impacts on their operations.

Attorney General Wrigley introduced Senate Bill 2128, which would impose mandatory minimum jail sentences of 30 days for fleeing crimes to be served consecutively to other sentences, and would authorize law enforcement to impound vehicles used in fleeing incidents for up to six months. Governor Armstrong, a former defense attorney, stated he has never supported minimum sentencing bills, though he did not explicitly state his position on Wrigley's specific legislation. The bill was presented in response to a significant increase in fleeing incidents in Fargo, where vehicle pursuits increased from 101 in 2019 to 290 in the most recent year.

Governor Armstrong visited the Applied Digital data center's 380,000 square-foot artificial intelligence expansion project in Ellendale, North Dakota, which is expected to attract and retain hundreds of new workers along with related housing development. During the visit, Armstrong signed legislation permitting on-site backup power generation at data centers and other businesses throughout the state, enabling these facilities to operate off-grid during emergency situations. The AI data center is scheduled to open later in 2025, with two additional expansions totaling 1.8 million square feet planned to follow.

Governor Armstrong announced his support for Senate Bill 2400, which would establish an educational savings account program allowing eligible students to receive between $500 and $3,500 to cover educational expenses including private school tuition. A representative of Armstrong's office characterized the program as supplemental funding and stated that the state budget includes increased funding for public schools. The legislation is estimated to cost approximately $58 million over the next biennium.

Governor Armstrong testified before the state Senate's Finance and Taxation Committee regarding HB 1176, legislation that would increase the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,450 and cap local property tax increases at three percent unless local governments seek voter approval for additional increases. Armstrong stated during the hearing that property tax relief was the primary concern he heard from voters and characterized the bill as a substantial and responsible response. The committee voted unanimously to advance the measure, which had already passed the House and required further review by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

North Dakota Governor Armstrong testified in support of House Bill 1176 before the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on Monday, advancing his property tax relief and reform plan ahead of competing legislative proposals. The bill would expand the primary residence tax credit from $400 to $1,420 beginning in tax year 2025 and would also expand eligibility for the homestead tax credit program. The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee gave the bill a unanimous recommendation to pass following Armstrong's testimony.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong testified before the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on March 17, 2025, in support of House Bill 1176, his property tax relief and reform proposal. The bill advanced out of committee with a unanimous recommendation to pass after nearly three hours of testimony. HB 1176 would expand the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,450 beginning in tax year 2025, expand eligibility for the homestead tax credit program for seniors by raising income thresholds, increase the maximum renter's refund from $400 to $600, and implement a 3% cap on property tax levy increases from taxing districts with certain exemptions.

Governor Armstrong included more than $2.8 million for Prairie Public in his budget proposal, which would fund local programming, educational tools, and tower maintenance. The North Dakota Senate defeated House Bill 1255, which would have prohibited state funding for public broadcasting, in a 41-6 vote. Prairie Public officials indicated they would seek to restore the funding through the state appropriations process.

Senate Bill 2098, which better defines when law enforcement should activate Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, and Blue Alerts, passed the North Dakota House unanimously and was sent to Governor Armstrong's desk for consideration. The bill was developed in response to the case of Lloyd Liken, a Bismarck resident who went missing but did not meet the criteria for a Silver Alert activation at the time. Armstrong will decide whether to sign the legislation into law.

Governor Armstrong expressed support for House Bill 1176, introduced by Representative Mike Nathe, which provides property tax relief for primary residences in North Dakota. The legislation represents the administration's approach to addressing property tax burdens for homeowners. State Senator Paul Thomas raised concerns that the bill's exclusive focus on primary residences may not adequately address tax relief needs for agricultural land and business property owners.

The North Dakota Senate voted to send House Bill 1340 to Governor Kelly Armstrong for final approval on March 11, 2025. The bill proposes loosening restrictions on motor vehicle window tint by allowing front passenger and driver-side windows to lower the amount of light transmission from 50 percent to 35 percent, while maintaining existing restrictions on windshield tint at 70 percent light transmission. The legislation passed the Senate with a 31-16 vote on Tuesday.

Governor Armstrong expressed support for Senate Bill 2241, which establishes guidelines for charter schools in North Dakota, stating that increasing educational options for parents and students is beneficial. Armstrong addressed concerns that charter schools would reduce funding for traditional public schools by noting that the public education budget would increase in the upcoming biennium. The bill had advanced through the Senate and was under consideration by the House Education Committee at the time of this report.

The North Dakota Legislature unanimously approved Senate Bill 2277 in March 2025, designating North Dakota Highway 200 as the Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Highway. The bill passed the State House 93-0 on March 10 and had previously passed the Senate 44-0 in January. Governor Armstrong indicated through his spokesman that he plans to sign the legislation, which would authorize the North Dakota Department of Transportation to work with families of fallen officers to create signage and accept donations for memorial markers along the highway.

Governor Armstrong proposed 2% increases in the K-12 budget for each year of the coming biennium. The legislature is currently working with a 3% increase figure, which the letter writer characterizes as insufficient to keep pace with inflation and address teacher recruitment and retention needs. The proposed budget increases do not directly translate to teacher salary increases, as funding growth is consumed by rising operational costs.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, sponsored legislation in North Dakota that would expand an existing interstate agreement between North Dakota and Minnesota to allow people on parole and probation to use state health care benefits for mental health treatment in neighboring states. The bill passed both the North Dakota House and Senate and awaits approval from Governor Kelly Armstrong. The legislation would require the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and Minnesota Department of Human Services to develop a cooperative agreement enabling individuals to retain their home state benefits while seeking treatment across state lines.

The North Dakota Senate passed a bill that changes the distribution formula for Prairie Dog funds allocated to state townships for road infrastructure. Under the new formula, money would be distributed to townships proportionally based on the number of road miles each township maintains, rather than being distributed evenly among all townships. The bill was sent to Governor Kelly Armstrong for signature or veto.

Sen. Jeff Barta introduced Senate Bill 2398 to establish a military compatibility commission and military impact zones surrounding North Dakota military installations including Grand Forks Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station, and Camp Grafton South. The bill underwent revisions from its original version, removing a predetermined 25-mile radius requirement around installations in favor of distances determined separately based on individual mission requirements. Barta explained to the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee that the commission's purpose is to harmonize land use in military impact zones, review potential encroachment on military installations, and promote sustainability of military operations through improved communication and coordination among stakeholders.

Governor Armstrong backed House Bill 1176, which proposes a $1,450 annual tax credit for every primary residence funded by Legacy Fund earnings, designed to grow over time to eliminate most homeowners' property tax burdens. The bill includes a 3% cap on local government spending that can be carried forward for up to five years and set aside for four years with voter approval. Armstrong's proposal was among three competing property tax relief measures considered by the North Dakota Legislature during its 2025 session.

Governor Armstrong proposed 2 percent increases in the K-12 budget for each year of the coming biennium. The North Dakota Legislature is currently working with a 3 percent budget increase figure for K-12 education. Armstrong's proposal and the Legislature's current figure represent the baseline funding levels under consideration during the legislative session.

Governor Armstrong stated he would support a property tax relief bill provided the legislation included limits on local government spending, as lawmakers worked to select among three House-passed options during the second half of the North Dakota legislative session in 2025. Armstrong also indicated support for two bills establishing education savings accounts that would allow students to direct funds toward private school tuition and other educational expenses, with final taxpayer costs to be determined upon passage. The governor's positions on these measures were announced as the legislature prepared to resume committee work and floor votes in March 2025.

Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton, sponsored House Bill 1191, which the North Dakota House of Representatives approved to establish a state Office of Entrepreneurship within the Department of Commerce. The office, if approved by the Senate, would authorize two full-time equivalent positions to provide technical support to entrepreneurs, enhance learning and skills development, expand access to resources, and serve as a point of contact between young businesses and state agencies. The bill has received support from Right to Start, a national nonprofit organization focused on expanding entrepreneurial opportunities.

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the state Legislature to convene annually instead of biennially, a change from the state's practice for over a century. The editorial board recommended that the state Senate reject the measure and stated that if approved, Governor Kelly Armstrong should veto it. The proposal would alter the legislative cycle while maintaining the existing 80-day limit on legislative action over a two-year period through shorter annual sessions.

Governor Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2201 on February 18, 2025, which expands eligibility for the state's $500 property tax credit on primary residences. Armstrong also advanced House Bill 1176, his comprehensive property tax reform proposal, which would increase the primary residence tax credit to $1,450 for homeowners and cap the amount cities and counties can raise in levies. The legislation emerged from a field of approximately 20 property tax reform bills narrowed to three options as the North Dakota Legislature reached its midpoint.

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Bill 1176, Governor Kelly Armstrong's property tax reform proposal, on February 25, 2025. The bill focuses property tax relief strictly on residential properties, excluding commercial land, agricultural land, and lake cabins. Armstrong's proposal advanced alongside competing property tax relief legislation, setting up a subsequent Senate debate over the competing approaches to addressing rising property tax burdens.

Governor Armstrong's property tax reform proposal, House Bill 1176, advanced through the North Dakota House of Representatives on February 25, 2025, with a vote of 81-10. The bill expands the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,450 beginning in tax year 2025 and establishes a Property Tax Relief Fund using approximately $398 million in Legacy Fund dollars and $74 million from the General Fund. The legislation also increases income thresholds for the homestead tax credit program, expands renter's refund eligibility, and requires property owners to apply for tax credits and obtain primary residence certification.

Gov. Armstrong identified property tax relief as a key legislative priority, leading to the introduction of House Bill 1176 by Rep. Mike Nathe, which would place a 3% cap on annual property tax levy increases for political subdivisions and includes tax relief for renters and elderly homeowners. Cass County Commission Chair Tony Grindberg submitted opposing testimony to the bill, stating that a 3% cap creates challenges for the state's fastest-growing county and could result in a $4 million deficit by 2026 if enacted. The Fargo School Board submitted neutral testimony requesting that property tax reform prioritize local control and flexibility in implementation across the state.

The North Dakota House passed House Bill 1038 on Thursday with an 84-3 vote, sending the legislation to Governor Kelly Armstrong for signature. The bill allocates $11 million to develop a Federal Aviation Administration radar enclave that would enable the FAA to share unfiltered radar data with the Vantis system, a beyond line of sight drone network operated through collaboration between the state, aerospace company Thales, and the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site at Grand Forks. The legislation includes an emergency clause requiring Armstrong's signature to take immediate effect, rather than waiting until July 1, to meet FAA timelines for establishing the security infrastructure necessary to prevent the agency from investing in drone test sites in other states.

Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2201 during the 2025 legislative session, legislation that modifies the Primary Residence Tax Credit to include homeowners whose properties are held in trusts. The bill provides retroactive eligibility for affected homeowners for both the 2024 and 2025 property tax years. According to Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus, eligible individuals can apply for the credit through the state tax office website or by contacting the office directly.

Governor Kelly Armstrong's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, led by Director Colby Braun, engaged in a dispute with Attorney General Drew Wrigley over Senate Bill 2128, which implements tougher sentencing requirements. Braun testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on February 18, 2025, expressing frustration that Wrigley's office had proposed amendments to the bill after the DOCR had invested significant resources in developing a fiscal note estimating the cost at over $269 million through the 2027-2029 biennium. Armstrong stated he has "total confidence" in Braun and stands by the DOCR director.

Governor Armstrong signed legislation expanding eligibility for the primary residence tax credit, extending the $500 credit to approximately 3,900 additional residences including those held in trust, life estates, and purchased under contract for deed. The expansion applies retroactively to the 2024 and 2025 tax years, with an emergency clause permitting newly eligible taxpayers to apply immediately. The bill, unanimously approved by the state House and Senate, is estimated to save taxpayers up to $1.9 million in both the 2023-25 and 2025-27 biennia.

North Dakota Attorney General Wrigley introduced Senate Bill 2128, which establishes mandatory jail time for crimes against law enforcement officers and implements truth in sentencing provisions. The legislation originated from conversations Wrigley had with Grand Forks County Sheriff Andy Schneider, who reported an increase in incidents of fleeing, resisting arrest, and assaulting officers throughout the state. Wrigley stated that truth in sentencing would remove incentives for individuals to flee police by ensuring they serve their full sentences rather than receiving early release.

Governor Kelly Armstrong commented on House Bill 1176, which encompasses the governor's property tax reform and relief plan introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe. Armstrong stated he was satisfied with the bill's progress through the legislative process and indicated general acceptance of amendments made in committee, including provisions allowing voters to exclude their county or city from levy increase caps for up to ten years and a reallocation of funding between the General and Legacy funds. Armstrong noted that while he would have preferred a different approach to providing flexibility to smaller political subdivisions, he did not object to the amendments and emphasized the importance of the bill moving forward through the legislative process.

Armstrong proposed a property tax relief plan that would increase the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,000 using $310 million from the general fund, and allocate an additional $173 million from the Legacy Fund for a $550 credit, resulting in tax breaks of $1,550 for the 2025-27 biennium and $2,000 for 2027-29. He also introduced criminal justice reform measures including three legislative bills designed to reduce recidivism and support inmate recovery, with $36 million earmarked for a women's facility in Mandan, $23 million for a new correctional facility in Bismarck, and $19 million for recovery programs and addiction treatment vouchers. Additionally, Armstrong proposed $105 million to address housing shortages, including a $50 million "Home Fund" to allocate grants to local housing projects statewide based on community population.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed an executive order that permits him to appoint a member of his Governor's Office staff to chair the North Dakota Military Commission. Armstrong designated Chief Operating Officer Alan Dohrmann to serve as chair of the eleven-member panel. The executive order, signed on Tuesday, allows the chair position to be filled from the governor's staff rather than requiring selection from outside the administration.

President Trump nominated North Dakota Superintendent of Schools Kirsten Baesler to serve as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the Department of Education. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Baesler would oversee the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, which assists state and local school districts in improving student outcomes from preschool through high school. Governor Kelly Armstrong announced the nomination on Wednesday and stated that Baesler would work with Secretary-designate Linda McMahon to implement the administration's education agenda.

A representative from Governor Armstrong's office spoke in support of House Bill 1442, which would establish a legislative task force on government efficiency to review state agency budgets and operations. The task force would be required to submit annual reports to legislative management with recommendations for cost-saving measures and operational improvements. Armstrong's office indicated the bill aligns with the governor's objective to create a more efficient state government.

Governor Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring released an economic report on February 11, 2025, detailing agriculture's contribution to North Dakota's economy using data from 2020-2023. The report found that the agriculture industry generates $41.3 billion in gross business volume annually, supports over 123,000 jobs, and accounts for 25.5% of the state's gross business volume and gross state product. Crop production comprises 52% of the industry's gross business volume and employs over 72,000 people directly and indirectly.

Andrea Travnicek has been nominated as U.S. assistant secretary of the Interior, according to documents received by the U.S. Senate and Natural Resources Committee in February 2025. Travnicek previously served as deputy assistant secretary at the Interior Department and as North Dakota Water Resources director under former Governor Doug Burgum, who was recently appointed Interior Secretary. The Senate must approve her nomination before she can assume the position.

Governor Armstrong identified the statewide mental health bed shortage as a priority for the 2025 legislative session in his January budget address, stating that "finding practical solutions that will increase access to services while reducing the reliance on our jails and prisons as treatment centers is a top priority of our administration." The North Dakota Legislature is workshopping a $300 million plan to rebuild the State Hospital in Jamestown under House Bill 1012, with the Human Services division of the House Appropriations Committee working with architects and consultants to finalize design and costs. The proposed facility would include 141 beds compared to the existing hospital's 122 beds and is designed with single-occupancy rooms, improved walking paths, enhanced energy efficiency, and trauma-informed features, with construction potentially beginning as early as August 2025.

State Rep. Mike Nathe appeared on the Plain Talk podcast on February 7, 2025, to discuss his property tax reform bill, which incorporates Governor Kelly Armstrong's plan for reform. The bill emerged from the policy committee with a "do-pass" recommendation and amendments that added a voter option for a 10-year exemption from budget caps, lowered the primary residence tax credit by approximately $100, and included an income tax cut. Nathe also discussed separate legislation requiring all candidates seeking a political party's nomination to collect signatures to appear on the primary ballot, rather than allowing convention-endorsed candidates to bypass this requirement.

Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, introduced Senate Bill 2400 during the 2025 North Dakota Legislature session, which would establish education savings accounts that allow state subsidies for families to use toward educational expenses outside traditional public schools, including private school tuition, tutoring, and homeschooling materials. The bill sparked extended legislative debate, with supporters arguing the accounts provide families greater flexibility in selecting educational options tailored to their children's needs, while opponents raised concerns about directing public education funding toward private institutions and homeschooling. Most ESA bills under consideration would allocate to private school and homeschooled children the same per-pupil state funding amount currently distributed to school districts.

Governor Armstrong testified in support of Senate Bill 2308, legislation that would establish a task force to review North Dakota's state boards and commissions and provide recommendations on which could be eliminated, minimized, or streamlined. The bill includes provisions for the immediate dissolution of 18 specific boards. Armstrong stated that the task force and board reductions would reduce the state government's footprint and decrease demands on staff resources and taxpayer time.

Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, introduced Senate Bill 2400, which would create education savings accounts funded through separate state appropriations rather than per-pupil funding redirected from school districts. Under the bill, public school and homeschool students would receive $1,000 per student annually, while private school students would be eligible for up to $4,000 depending on household income, with funds usable for tuition, educational materials, tutoring, and mental health services. Axtman stated that the inclusion of mental health services as a qualified expense would make North Dakota the first state to allow such coverage in education savings accounts.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Levi Bachmeier of West Fargo to a four-year term on North Dakota's State Board of Higher Education in February 2025, alongside Patrick Sogard of Williston. Bachmeier, a business manager with the West Fargo School District since 2019 who previously served as education policy adviser and policy director for former Governor Doug Burgum, was selected to help guide the state's 11 public colleges and universities. The appointment requires confirmation by the state Senate.

North Dakota Attorney General Wrigley testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 5, 2025, in support of Senate Bill 2128, legislation requiring inmates to serve 85 percent of their sentences in prison and eliminating parole eligibility after the bill's effective date. Wrigley characterized the bill as "truth in sentencing" legislation and accused the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation of providing inaccurate data regarding recidivism rates, prison escapes, and violence. The Attorney General submitted amendments to the original bill that would narrow its application to violent crimes, reducing the number of affected inmates from approximately 2,100 to 26.

Governor Armstrong's administration backed three bills in the North Dakota legislature aimed at addressing prison overcrowding and improving reentry outcomes. House Bills 1417, 1425, and 1549 would establish a tiered sentencing system for technical parole violations, create a prosecution-led diversion program for low-level offenders, and provide grants to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release. The bills resulted from a 2023 legislative resolution that directed the state to study ways to improve reentry programs.

Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden testified in favor of House Bills 1425, 1349, and 1443 before the House Judiciary Committee at the North Dakota State Capitol on Wednesday, representing Governor Kelly Armstrong's administration. The three bills are designed to create programs that support the rehabilitation and reentry of individuals who have interacted with the criminal justice system while reducing recidivism and addressing prison and jail overcrowding. According to proponents, the legislation will help prepare individuals leaving the justice system to rejoin the workforce, strengthen community ties, and make more efficient use of correctional facilities.

A representative from Governor Armstrong's office testified in support of Senate Bill 2241, which would establish a framework for charter schools in North Dakota and provide them per-pupil state funding. The bill was amended to specify that charter schools would be prohibited from charging tuition. The Senate Education Committee did not take action on the legislation.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Corey Mock, a former North Dakota House minority leader from Grand Forks, to serve as the state's chief information officer as part of a 12-member Cabinet announced after the November 2024 election. Mock, who served in the North Dakota Legislature from 2008 to 2024 and previously chaired the state's Information Technology Committee, stated his priorities as chief information officer include maintaining exceptional agency service and addressing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence investments. Armstrong's appointment of Mock, a Democrat, to the position drew attention given the governor's Republican affiliation, though Mock characterized the role as nonpartisan.

North Dakota lawmakers introduced legislation during the 2025 legislative session that would eliminate a 10-year property tax exemption for carbon dioxide pipelines, remove carbon capture project operators' ability to use eminent domain to take private land, and make it easier for individuals to file claims against pipeline operators for damages resulting from CO2 pipeline breaks. The bills reflect a division within the Republican-dominated state Legislature between lawmakers including leadership who view carbon capture as essential for the state's emissions-heavy industries and those skeptical of the projects' necessity and permitting processes. The proposed legislation comes as a state agency simultaneously advised the governor's office that North Dakota should expedite carbon capture and storage project development to establish infrastructure for enhanced oil recovery in aging state oil fields.

President Trump issued an executive order freezing federal grants and loans to agencies across the United States, which affected North Dakota state agencies, nonprofits, and service providers beginning in late January 2025. The freeze impacted funding for affordable housing construction in Fargo, emergency shelters for homeless youth, domestic violence victim housing, tribal college endowments, the national school lunch program, veterans programs, and agricultural conservation programs, while also disrupting Medicaid portal access. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong cited the need to curb federal debt in response to the freeze.

Representative Ben Koppleman introduced House Bill 1297 during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, which would prohibit approval voting and ranked-choice voting in all elections within the state for local, state, and federal offices. The bill follows a 2023 attempt to ban these voting methods that was vetoed by then-Governor Doug Burgum on home rule grounds, with the new Governor Kelly Armstrong now in office. Fargo adopted approval voting in 2018 as the first city in the United States to use the system following a voter-approved ballot initiative.

Senate Bill 2376, introduced by Senators Scott Meyer and Richard Marcellais along with Representatives Landon Bahl and Jayme Davis, seeks to amend North Dakota's Century Code to allow the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to conduct gaming operations on land within Grand Forks County, subject to Bureau of Indian Affairs approval under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. Currently, state law restricts the tribe's gaming to land within Rolette County held in trust as of 1988. The bill represents an early procedural step toward a potential casino and resort development that a 2022 feasibility study projected would cost $280 million or more to construct and generate approximately $80 million in gross gaming revenue in its first year.

Doug Burgum received bipartisan confirmation as the 55th Secretary of the Interior following a confirmation vote in January 2025. Governor Kelly Armstrong released a statement affirming Burgum's qualifications based on his background in energy development, tribal relations, and public lands management. Armstrong noted that Burgum's role would influence multiple aspects of North Dakota policy and stated his support for responsible natural resource development as part of the Trump administration's energy strategy.

The North Dakota Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-3 to recommend passage of Senate Bill 2224, which would eliminate the state Gaming Commission and consolidate gambling regulation authority within the state Attorney General's Office. The bill was introduced by Senator Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, following Governor Doug Burgum's stated interest in reviewing state boards and commissions for their necessity to government operations. The Gaming Commission currently serves as an intermediary review body in the gambling regulation process, requiring approval of administrative rules proposed by the Attorney General's Office before they proceed to the Administrative Rules Committee for final adoption.

President Trump issued an executive order on January 27, 2025, freezing all federal grants and loans, accompanied by a memo from the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget stating the freeze targeted programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, green energy policies, and funding for nongovernmental organizations deemed contrary to national interest. The OMB subsequently clarified the freeze would apply to thousands of specific grant and loan programs worth approximately three trillion dollars, including affordable housing construction, emergency shelters, school lunch programs, farm programs, and tribal college endowments. A federal judge blocked implementation of the order on January 28, 2025, pending further review of its legality, scheduled for February 3, 2025.

Governor Armstrong introduced House Bill 1176, which proposes eliminating property taxes on primary residences and includes a 3% cap on local government budgets. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Mike Nathe and has drawn testimony from local officials, including Minot city alderman Mike Blessum, who testified in opposition to the measure. More than a quarter of North Dakota's general fund is currently dedicated to offsetting property tax revenue through state payments to local governments.

Governor Armstrong announced a comprehensive property tax reform plan during his State of the State speech that includes implementing a 3% annual cap on local-level property tax budgets, doubling the primary residential credit from $500 to $1,000 per year using $310 million in general fund money, and dedicating earnings from the Legacy Fund to provide additional funds to homeowners. The proposal, formally introduced as House Bill 1176, generated varied responses from North Dakota city leaders, with Grand Forks Mayor Bochenski supporting the plan while leaders in Fargo and Minot expressed concerns about the 3% cap's impact on local infrastructure funding. Bismarck Mayor Schmitz stated that city leaders were not taking a definitive stance but indicated personal concern that the 3% cap might not account for inflation rates.

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Bill 1231 on January 23, 2025, with a vote of 62-29. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, would create a process allowing low-risk registered sex offenders to petition courts for removal from the state registry after seven years instead of the current minimum of 15 years, with courts evaluating risk and considering victim statements in closed proceedings. The bill requires Senate passage and a signature from Gov. Kelly Armstrong to become law.

Governor Kelly Armstrong proposed a property tax reform package that includes caps on local government spending at 3 percent, while maintaining current state budget constraints that require annual balancing. Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn publicly criticized the proposal at a city commission meeting, characterizing the spending caps as hypocritical and stating they would be catastrophic. Armstrong responded in a radio interview by detailing the specific state expenditures he could reduce if local governments sought equivalent caps on state spending, including funding for K-12 education, the Fargo airport, and the Red River Water Supply.

Rep. Hagert testified before the House Agriculture Committee on January 23, 2025, in support of House Bill 1332, which proposes allocating funds from an existing agriculture diversification and development fund to the Bank of North Dakota for grants, incentive funding, and loan programs for large agricultural projects considering locating in the state. Hagert, one of the bill's sponsors, cited the economic impact of soybean crush facilities already built in North Dakota as justification for the funding mechanism. The bill specifically aims to provide financial incentives to projects demonstrating financial feasibility, farmer profitability enhancement, job creation, and economic growth.

Governor Armstrong stated that a proposed potato processing facility in North Dakota would "expand value-added agriculture in North Dakota, improve profitability for our potato growers and strengthen our state's economy." The article discusses House Bill 1332, which would allocate funds from the agriculture diversification and development fund to the Bank of North Dakota for loans, grants, and incentive funding to projects with significant capital investment that support agricultural operations. Armstrong's statement indicates support for economic development initiatives that would create jobs and generate agricultural value in the state.

Governor Armstrong proposed a tax reform plan at the beginning of the legislative session that includes capping local tax increases at 3 percent and utilizing oil tax revenue to offset local property tax burdens. The Minot City Council voted 6-1 to send a letter to the state legislature formally opposing the proposed caps on budget and property tax increases. Council Member Lisa Olson cast the sole dissenting vote, stating she disagreed with the timing of the message to state lawmakers rather than the substance of the position.

Governor Kelly Armstrong proposed allocating $16.1 million in his executive budget recommendations to staff and operate the Grand Forks County Correctional Center's expansion to house state inmates and ease overcrowding in state prison populations. The proposal would involve leasing county jail beds to the state Department of Corrections, generating revenue to offset the county's projected $7 million budget shortfall from operating the new facility. The Grand Forks County Commission debated the proposal at its January 21, 2025 meeting, with commissioners divided on the approach and expressing concerns about the decision-making process.

Governor Armstrong proposed property tax reform that would cap local government spending increases at 3 percent while leaving state spending uncapped. Fargo city commissioners discussed the implications of this proposal during a Finance Committee meeting on January 21, 2025, expressing concerns about how the spending cap might limit the city's ability to fund infrastructure projects. The Finance Committee scheduled its next meeting for February 18 to continue discussions on the property tax reform and other budgetary matters.

University of North Dakota finance vice president Karla Mongeon-Stewart presented three budget proposals to the state Senate appropriations committee on January 17, 2025, each resulting in different tuition increases for the university. Under Governor Kelly Armstrong's proposal for a 9% increase in state higher education funding, in-state tuition would increase by 6.61%, while former Governor Doug Burgum's 10% funding increase proposal would result in a 5.96% tuition increase, and the State Board of Higher Education's proposal would raise tuition by 5.46%. The varying tuition increases reflect different levels of state appropriations to cover projected $80.3 million in operating expenses over two years, including personnel costs and health care expenses.

Rep. Steve Swiontek, R-Fargo, introduced House Bill 1561 during the 2025 North Dakota legislative session, which would create civil liability for commercial entities that distribute sexually explicit material to minors without implementing age verification methods. The bill defines reasonable age verification as using digitized identification cards or commercial age verification systems that access government-issued identification or transactional data, with the requirement that entities cannot retain the provided information after verification is complete. The legislation permits parents, guardians, and individuals whose identifying information was retained to bring civil actions seeking injunctions, compensatory and exemplary damages, and attorney fees, while exempting news organizations, internet service providers, search engines, application stores, and cloud service providers from liability unless they created the content.

Kasper withdrew House Bill 1304 on Friday, January 17, 2025, after the bill had been publicly criticized. The legislation would have permitted North Dakota legislators to accept out-of-state trips paid for by lobbyists if designated as educational in nature. This withdrawal followed Kasper's pullback of House Bill 1323 the previous day, which would have allowed legislators to expense meals in Bismarck to taxpayers.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong proposed a $19.9 billion state budget for the 2025-2027 biennium on January 15, 2025, during his budget address to lawmakers. The proposal allocates approximately $1 billion in investments toward infrastructure, education, and property tax relief while reducing the budget by approximately $600 million from the previous governor's proposal. The budget includes a primary residence tax credit of $1,440 per year over two years, expands eligibility for the Homestead Tax Credit, and caps local property tax budget increases at 3 percent annually.

Armstrong released modifications to the executive budget request originally submitted by former Governor Doug Burgum, reducing the total budget by $600 million through measures including reduced hiring of new state employees and cuts to the proposed Missouri River Correctional Center project. Armstrong proposed establishing a new Legacy Fund revenue source for the Department of Transportation that would reduce that department's budget by $109 million and announced a partnership with Grand Forks County Correctional Center to provide $16 million for staffing and operating a jail expansion to create 90 additional beds available by July 1. The revised budget also included $9.3 million for temporary housing at the Missouri River Correctional Center in Bismarck to create 78 beds and $19.2 million allocated for behavioral health programs.

Governor Kelly Armstrong announced his two-year budget recommendations on January 15, 2025, after reviewing and modifying his predecessor's proposals during his first month in office. Armstrong's budget totaled nearly $19.9 billion, with approximately $6.6 billion from the general fund, and included $483.4 million in property tax relief, $464 million in construction projects including a new state hospital, and $105 million for housing initiatives. The recommendations also allocated funding for correctional facility expansion, including completion of the Heart River Correctional Center for women and planning for the Missouri River Correctional Center.

Governor Armstrong included $300 million for a new state hospital in Jamestown in his proposed executive budget bonding package. Armstrong stated that the project was important and that monthly delays added approximately $1 million to the cost. The overall bonding package proposed by Armstrong totaled $464 million and included funding for airport improvements in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Dickinson, as well as $44.2 million for the military gallery at the North Dakota Heritage Center.

Governor Armstrong proposed a $19.89 billion budget for the 2025-27 biennium on January 15, 2025, which included approximately $1 billion in investments across infrastructure, education, and property tax relief while reducing expenditures by about $600 million from the previous governor's proposal. The budget featured a property tax relief plan providing a $1,550 annual primary residence tax credit over two years, expanding the Homestead Tax Credit eligibility, and capping local property tax budget increases at 3 percent annually, to be funded through General Fund and Legacy Fund dollars. Armstrong achieved the $600 million in cuts by reducing proposed new full-time state employees by 87 positions and reducing funding for the Missouri River Correctional Center project by $130 million while maintaining $230 million in General Fund reserves and $500 million in the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund.

Governor Armstrong proposed a property tax plan that would cap local government spending growth at 3 percent annually while implementing tax credits designed to expand over time, with the stated goal of eliminating property taxes for most primary residences within a decade. The plan was introduced as House Bill 1176 by Representative Mike Nathe of Bismarck. Armstrong testified before the House Finance and Taxation Committee that the spending cap was essential to the plan's effectiveness, stating that without it the tax credits would merely transfer state revenues to local governments without achieving meaningful property tax relief.

Governor Kelly Armstrong will appoint two members to the North Dakota Board of Higher Education from a slate of six finalists selected by a nominating committee chaired by State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. The appointments, which must be confirmed by the North Dakota Senate, will fill two seats on the eight-member board that oversees the state's 11 colleges and universities. Two of the six finalists, Russel Crary and Beverly Johnson, are Grand Forks residents.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong announced on Tuesday that flags in the state would be raised to full height on Inauguration Day, pausing the 30-day flag-lowering order initiated following the death of former President Jimmy Carter. Armstrong's announcement noted that flags across North Dakota would be relowered on January 21 in honor of Carter. Armstrong's action aligned with similar announcements made the same day by governors of Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Iowa.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong outlined property tax reform priorities that were incorporated into House Bill 1176, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nathe, which proposes increasing the Primary Residence Tax Credit from $500 to $1,550 for the current biennium and expanding the Homestead Property Tax Credit and Renter's Refund program. The bill carries a total estimated cost of $535 million and includes provisions Armstrong described in his State of the State address. Armstrong testified before the House Finance and Taxation Committee on January 14, 2025, stating that property tax relief remained the top issue raised by voters during his campaign and characterizing the reform as necessary to avoid repeating ineffective previous approaches.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong introduced House Bill 1176, a property tax relief measure that was debated before the House Finance and Taxation Committee on January 14, 2025. The bill included Armstrong's proposed increase to the Primary Residence Tax Credit from $400 to $1,100 for the current biennium, with potential for additional growth in subsequent sessions, as well as increased tax relief for renters and elderly homeowners. The legislation also contained provisions establishing caps on property tax levy increases, which generated both supportive testimony and concerns from lawmakers during committee proceedings.

Governor Kelly Armstrong ordered flags in North Dakota to be raised on January 20, 2025, for President Trump's inauguration, then lowered again from January 21-29 to continue honoring former President Jimmy Carter's passing. This action followed similar orders by Republican governors and members of Congress to raise flags during the inauguration despite the ongoing national mourning period for Carter. Armstrong stated that the inauguration should be celebrated with flags flying high as a symbol of freedom and democracy, while committing to resume half-staff status the following day to honor Carter's legacy.

Governor Armstrong submitted House Bill 1176 to the North Dakota legislature, which proposed multiple property tax relief measures including tripling the primary residence credit from $500 to $1,550, expanding homestead tax credits for residents aged 65 and older, and increasing renter refund programs for seniors. The bill would also establish a 3% cap on levy increases for political subdivisions over five years, with local governments permitted to exceed the cap through voter approval for one year. The House Finance and Taxation Committee held its first hearing on the bill in January 2025, with no recommendation vote taken on that date.

During his first State of the State address, North Dakota Governor Armstrong stated that finding practical solutions to increase access to mental health services while reducing reliance on jails and prisons as treatment centers is a top priority of his administration. State Senator Tim Mathern introduced legislation that would allocate more than $100 million to the Department of Health and Human Services to renovate the state hospital and create four psychiatric treatment service regions with supportive housing. Armstrong's stated focus aligns with efforts to address North Dakota's ranking as ninth in the nation for mental health deserts, where nearly 30 percent of residents are underserved.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued an order on January 14, 2025, directing state agencies to fly American and North Dakota flags at full-staff on January 20, 2025, the date of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, reversing his earlier directive to lower flags to half-staff following former President Jimmy Carter's death on December 29, 2024. Armstrong stated that flags would return to half-staff on January 21 to continue honoring Carter's memory. The order came after other Republican governors, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, issued similar directives to raise flags for the inauguration despite the ongoing national mourning period for Carter.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong ordered U.S. and North Dakota flags at all state buildings, including the Capitol, to be flown at full-staff on Monday, January 20, 2025, during President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Under federal flag code, flags are typically flown at half-staff through January 29 in observance of former President Jimmy Carter, who died December 28, 2024. Armstrong stated in a written statement that flags should be raised as a symbol of freedom and democracy during the presidential inauguration, with flags to be lowered back to half-staff the following day.

During his State of the State address on Tuesday, Gov. Kelly Armstrong proposed a property tax relief and reform package that would provide a threefold increase in tax relief for primary residence owners and cap future increases in local property tax budgets at 3 percent per year. The proposal includes $483 million in additional relief and allows local subdivisions to carry forward unused annual increases for up to five years. Armstrong stated the plan was responsible, achievable, and durable, and would represent the single most impactful action for North Dakota citizens during the legislative session.

Armstrong delivered the State of the State address on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, marking the official opening of North Dakota's 69th legislative session. The address preceded the first House and Senate floor sessions on Friday, January 10, during which lawmakers considered initial legislation designed to familiarize freshman members with legislative procedures. The early bills primarily involved technical adjustments to existing state law, including modifications to definitions, inflation adjustments to fees, and other routine updates to the Century Code.

Governor Kelly Armstrong announced a property tax relief proposal during his first State of the State address in January 2025, which included implementing a 3% annual cap on local-level property tax budgets, allocating $310 million in general fund money to double the primary residential credit from $500 to $1,000 annually, and establishing a primary residence classification to make relief automatic without requiring homeowners to file. The plan also dedicated earnings from the Legacy Fund to provide additional funds to the primary residence credit, with Armstrong projecting total combined relief of $1,550 per year for the next biennium and at least $2,000 per year thereafter.

Governor Armstrong introduced HB 1176, a property tax reform proposal that increases the primary residence credit with the stated goal of eventually reducing homeowners' property taxes to zero. The bill also establishes a three percent annual cap on local property tax budgets for cities and counties. The measure received its first legislative hearing before the House Finance and Taxation Committee on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong unveiled a property tax reform proposal during the State of the State address that would increase the primary residence tax credit and establish a 3 percent annual cap on local property tax budget increases. House Bill 1006, filed Thursday, would place most homeowners on a path toward zero property taxes within a decade. The proposal has secured support from House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, and the chairs of both chambers' taxation and appropriations committees.

Armstrong proposed a plan to address property taxes in North Dakota that includes relief measures and reform provisions, with a central component that would cap tax increases for local governments. The proposal was introduced to the legislature where it will compete with approximately fifty other bills addressing property tax issues, with hearings expected to begin later in January 2025. The plan will be reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Finance and Taxation Committee, with lawmakers indicating that refinements to Armstrong's proposal are likely during the legislative process.

North Dakota Gov. Armstrong proposed a 10-year property tax elimination plan in his State of the State address, funded through $310 million from the state's general fund and $173 million from the Legacy Fund over the 2025-2027 biennium. The proposal would increase the primary residential credit from $500 to $1,000 annually and provide $1,550 per year in property tax relief to each homeowner while capping local subdivision tax increases at 3 percent. Tax and finance experts raised concerns about the plan's feasibility, citing potential risks to local government budgets, reliance on continued oil revenues, and constraints from a November constitutional amendment limiting Legacy Fund spending to 5 percent of principal.

Gov. Armstrong announced a property tax plan that utilizes revenue from the Legacy Fund to establish a growing tax credit designed to eliminate property tax bills for most primary residences in North Dakota within approximately a decade. The plan would direct a stream of Legacy Fund investment earnings toward tax credits that would accumulate over time. Armstrong indicated that if the plan succeeds, state government funding would cover over 50 percent of local spending, with potential budget caps to protect state interests.

Governor Armstrong proposed a property tax relief plan that would cap local government property tax increases at 3 percent total over a five-year period. Under the proposal, the state would pay more than half of the local share of property taxes, and Armstrong stated the state should have a say in local budget growth as a result. Armstrong's plan, along with nearly 50 other property tax bills, was set for discussion early in the legislative session, with committee debates expected to begin by the end of the month.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced the appointment of Reice Haase as director of the state's Department of Water Resources on January 8, 2025, replacing Andrea Travnicek who departed after over three years in the position. Haase previously served as a senior policy advisor to former Gov. Doug Burgum and as deputy executive director for the North Dakota Industrial Commission. Armstrong simultaneously appointed Zach Greenberg as interim labor commissioner and head of the Department of Labor and Human Rights, with Greenberg transitioning from his role as a legal and policy adviser in the governor's office.

Governor Armstrong stated during a Plain Talk podcast interview that North Dakota's jails and prisons lack sufficient capacity to accommodate additional inmates, positioning him against Attorney General Drew Wrigley's push for mandatory minimum sentences in state law. Armstrong noted that he has not yet reviewed the specific legislation Wrigley is backing and stated he has never supported a mandatory minimum sentencing bill, while emphasizing that incarceration is expensive. Armstrong indicated he will propose an alternative plan during a budget address that he described as the "cheapest and quickest way to free up prison space."

Governor Armstrong announced a property tax reform and reduction plan during his State of the State address to the Legislature in January 2025. The proposal includes increasing the Primary Residence Credit from $500 to $1000 annually and allocating $173 million from Legacy Fund earnings to provide additional relief, resulting in $1550 in yearly tax relief during the 2025-2027 biennium and $2000 or more in the subsequent biennium, along with a 3 percent annual cap on property tax increases. Armstrong stated the plan would eventually eliminate property taxes on primary residences as Legacy Fund earnings grow, with additional dollars split between expanded property tax relief and reduced general fund expenses for providing that relief.

During his first State of the State Address on January 7, 2025, Governor Armstrong announced a property tax reform plan that would enforce a 3% cap on local government tax increases over five years and double the primary residence credit from $500 to $1,000, with the plan utilizing Legacy Fund earnings to provide additional credits at a cost of $483 million in the current biennium. Armstrong also signed an executive order dissolving five government boards and commissions that had not met in the past year and announced the creation of a new cabinet position titled Commissioner of Recovery and Re-entry to coordinate efforts among state and local agencies addressing addiction and behavioral health.

Governor Armstrong delivered a State of the State address to the North Dakota Legislature on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in which he announced a plan to reduce property taxes to zero for the majority of North Dakotans within ten years. The proposal includes creating a fluid Legacy Fund-dependent property tax credit, establishing a fifth property tax classification, and implementing a five percent tax increase cap for local political subdivisions. Armstrong stated the plan would use $348 million from the state's general fund and Legacy Fund in the first biennium to provide property tax relief and reform.

During his 2025 State of the State address, Governor Armstrong announced a three-part proposal to reform North Dakota's property tax system, with the plan designed to eventually eliminate property taxes on primary residences. The proposal includes a 3% cap on local government budgets with limited exceptions and rollover provisions, immediate property tax relief funded through Legacy Fund revenues, and a property tax credit that would expand over time to cover most homeowners. Armstrong stated that with the state projected to pay over 50% of the local share of property taxes under this plan, the state would have authority to regulate local budget growth.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Jill Kringstad to the North Dakota Public Service Commission on January 6, 2025, filling the seat vacated by Julie Fedorchak's election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Kringstad, a Bismarck native with eight years of prior experience at the Public Service Commission in accounting and budget roles, also worked in the private sector as a financial services accountant and internal auditor for Basin Electric Power Cooperative from 2013 to 2016. She will serve until the November 2026 general election, when voters will decide who completes the remaining two years of Fedorchak's six-year term.

Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Jill Kringstad to the North Dakota Public Service Commission on January 6, 2025, filling the vacancy created when Julie Fedorchak was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Kringstad had served as an accounting and budget specialist at the PSC since 2015 and as the agency's manager of business operations since 2019. The Public Service Commission is a three-member utility regulatory board responsible for overseeing investor-owned utility rates, electric and natural gas infrastructure, railroads, coal mining, telecommunications, and related utility services in North Dakota.

The North Dakota State Investment Board appointed Jodi Smith as interim executive director of the Retirement and Investment Office on Friday. Board members also elected Governor Kelly Armstrong as chair of the board, a position historically delegated to the lieutenant governor but which Armstrong chose to assume directly. Smith, currently director of lands and compliance at the Metro Flood Diversion Authority and former Land Commissioner from 2017 to 2021, will replace Jan Murtha, who announced her departure in late November.

Kelly Armstrong was elected Governor of North Dakota in the 2024 general election, defeating other candidates in a statewide race. Armstrong took office on December 15, 2024, succeeding Doug Burgum who left the position after serving two terms. Armstrong had previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives before announcing his candidacy for Governor following Burgum's January 2024 announcement that he would not seek another term.