How does a ND bill become law?

This document prepared by the ND Legislative Council provides an excellent overview of how a bill becomes law in North Dakota. ND Bill-Law Process The legislature meets every other year (odd numbered years) and anywhere from 900-1,500 bills are introduced each session. Unlike some states, bills cannot be “killed in committee” and all bills are voted on at least once on the floor of the legislature. You can find a more detailed description of the bill process here, which was created by one of our partner organizations in ND.

Who can influence whether a bill passes or not?

Virtually anyone can provide input into the legislative process of a bill. This includes legislators (particularly members of the committees where bills are assigned), lobbyists, expert witnesses, and YOU. You can testify on any bill that is introduced into the legislature! With the advent of COVID, you can now even do this remotely. All of these contributors providing input on bills can submit written testimony and/or testify before the relevant committee to which the bill has been assigned. You can also influence the trajectory of a bill by calling your district legislators and talking to them directly, leaving a message, or emailing them. Find my legislators

Does it really make a difference if I contact my legislators about a bill or testify before a committee? I’m only one person.

YES, it matters a lot. On most bills, legislators get very few of his/her constituents contacting them about how they might vote. For example, if you are one of only 3 people from a legislator’s district that provide input on a bill, your input represents 33% of all the input the legislator receives from the people who voted him/her into office. Legislators place a great deal of importance on input provided by the residents of their districts.

Can I find out how my legislators voted on past bills?

Absolutely. That information is public and provided by the State of North Dakota, however, if you want to know how they voted on select bills most important to your family values, you can simply review our legislative scorecards we produce after each session. They can be found on our Resources page.

What is the difference between a bill and a resolution?

If a bill is passed, it becomes a law and is part of our ND body of law called The Century Code. However, if a resolution passes, it becomes a “statement” made by the ND Legislature regarding their position on some issue. A resolution is not law. At times, ND resolutions are used to put the federal government “on notice” that the State of ND takes a position on some issue, in which case the resolution is entered into the official documentation of Congress as well.

How do I find out which bills will affect my family values and be the most important?

Simply sign up for our advocacy alerts (Email signup at bottom of page). We let you know which bills are most important, where they are in the process, when to provide input, and even give you the opportunity to contact your legislators in a quick and easy way using our advocacy alert system. We post updates on social media on a regular basis as well (see our Resources page for social media links). Of course, you can always call us and ask about any bill and we will be happy to help as well (701-355-6425).

How does NDFA and NDFALA represent my interests during the legislative session?

NDFALA, the part of our organization that primarily focuses on legislative issues, does a lot of work before, during, and after sessions. During a session we: review all 1,000 bills multiple times to ensure we are not missing one that impacts family values, coordinate with other state organizations to develop strategies around these bills, do research about particular issues for legislators, occasionally author initial versions of bills in support of legislators, testify on bills, lobby legislators regarding their votes, track the status of each key bill and help facilitate a result that protects and advances your values, and continue to inform you of the status of key bills and help you get involved. The best way to stay informed about all this is by signing up for our emails. Email signup at bottom of page.

What else does NDFA/NDFALA do besides work on bills?

Our organization does a lot of things to represent your family values, both during and especially between legislative sessions. We speak at churches and other venues to discuss political issues, educate voters on the political process through our emails and social media, highlight critical issues that arise between sessions so you can take action (e.g., NDSU teaming with Planned Parenthood), advocate on your behalf on many issues, host conferences and rallies, plan for upcoming legislative sessions, produce documents and resources to help you learn about the ND political process, and much more.

What is NDFA’s purpose?

Please see our Mission and Vision Statements for the best explanation.

Is your organization Christian?

Yes, we are a Christian, ecumenical organization. Our beliefs may best be summed up in the Apostles' Creed and we work to advance these biblical principles in the policy arena.

How long have you been in existence?

NDFA was formed in 1987. For roughly 5 years we were part of Family Policy Alliance based out of Colorado, but we are now once again fully independent and able to focus more intently on North Dakota.

How big is your organization?

We have two full-time staff, our Executive Director, Mark Jorritsma, and Jacob Thomsen who serves as a Policy Analyst. As a result, we also encourage people to volunteer Contact us if you're interested in volunteering.. We would like to expand our organization to provide more influence, education, mobilization, etc. to fight on your behalf, but resource constraints currently limit our ability to do this.

Are you part of any particular political party?

No, we are nonpartisan and not part of any formal political party. If a particular party platform aligns with our beliefs and cause, that is wonderful, but is does not affiliate us with that party. NDFA is willing to work with anyone who believes in biblical family values, regardless of party, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristic. We focus on issues and values, not parties.

Do you address national issues, too?

Yes, we do. While the focus is on our state, we know that national events clearly affect us. We get involved in national issues in two primary ways. First, we partner with national organizations such as Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Policy Alliance, and more. Second, NDFA is one of approximately 42 organizations just like us in other states. On a regular basis we launch national campaigns, author briefs to the Supreme Court, exchange information about national events and our positions on them, and coordinate on other matters we all share.

How can I get more involved in the political process in North Dakota?

There are many ways to be part of the state and local political process and to make sure your views are heard and represented. Here is a quick list.

• VOTE!

• Become involved in your political party (district and/or state levels)

• Serve on your local public school board

• Testify and directly communicate with your district legislators on key bills

• Volunteer to help our organization and/or similar organizations (e.g., help with events/rallies, writing op-eds, etc.)

• Help mobilize churches and business leaders to engage in the political process

• Volunteer to help with a political campaign

• Financially support NDFA and organizations like us

• Serve in the ND Legislature

Do you have resources we can use to get more involved in the political process?

Yes, please see our Resources page.