BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota lawmakers are debating House Bill 1150, which could reintroduce restrictions on business operations during Sunday mornings. The bill proposes a ban on most retail and labor activities between midnight and noon on Sundays, bringing back regulations similar to the state’s previous “blue laws,” which were repealed in 2019. One of the sponsors of the bill is Matt Heilman, a Catholic. All seven sponsors of the Bill 1150 are Republicans. Several are Roman Catholic:
Matt Heilman (R)*, Jeff Hoverson (R)*, Jorin Johnson (R)*, Lisa Meier (R)*, Mike Schatz (R)*, David Clemens (R), Larry Luick (R)
If passed, businesses would no longer be able to sell items like clothing, furniture, and appliances during the restricted hours. Essential services like hospitals, restaurants, and utilities would remain exempt, as would recreational events, parks, and festivals.
Supporters of the bill argue it preserves family time and encourages rest. Opponents, however, see it as a step backward for the state’s economy and individual freedom.
The only person to testify in favor of the bill aside from Heilman was co-sponsor Rep. Jeff Hoverson, R-Minot, who said he was testifying in his capacity as a Lutheran pastor.
Of the nearly 30 written testimony entries, all but three opposed bringing blue laws back.
Those in favor of closing stores on Sunday mornings included leaders of the North Dakota Catholic Conference and North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action.
Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, of Bismark, North Dakota is a member of the Goodrich SDA Church in N. D. He was expected to speak against HB1150 yesterday morning, January 15, 2025. We have yet to hear if he did.
HB1150 is about bringing in Sunday closing Blue Laws. This bill also states that if you have a different Sabbath, such as Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, then you are to close your business on that day for specific times.
Arik Spencer, President and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, expressed disappointment with the proposal.
“Our organization worked for years to repeal North Dakota’s blue laws, which in 2019 were the most restrictive in the country,” Spencer said. “We felt that businesses could make choices in their own best interest, and consumers could decide when and where they wanted to shop. We were very pleased to see that repeal in 2019 and didn’t expect a bill to bring them back.”
House Bill 1150 also includes provisions to protect businesses from being forced to stay open on Sundays as part of lease or franchise agreements. Violations of the proposed law would carry penalties.
The Industry, Business and Labor committee voted 10-4 to give the bill a do-not-pass recommendation.
According to the Bismarck Tribune, North Dakota lawmakers are slated to reject this bill.
Observations
This proposed law is a bad idea. It potentially violates religious freedoms, and gives a government (which is already too big and intrusive) more power over personal liberty. We hope it fails.
It has almost no chance of passing. Thankfully.
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“But the LORD shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:7-9).