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The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network is pleased to announce the creation of a government affairs task force. The purpose of this education-focused group is to update YPN members with information about legislation during the North Dakota legislative session. The nature of the task force will be non-partisan and will function in an educational capacity only.
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YP Legislative Update
Posted 2/09/09 (Mon)
By the BMYP Government Affairs Task Force
Have you ever wondered why Targets, Walmarts, and other national retailers don’t have pharmacies in North Dakota? It’s because North Dakota has a state law that requires any pharmacies to be owned by pharmacists. That could change this session with the introduction of House Bill 1440, which would remove the pharmacist majority ownership requirement for pharmacies in the state.
HB 1440 has generated a lot of attention from the public, the media, and lobbyists. The public hearing on HB 1440 was held on Tuesday, February 3rd and included 3 ½ hours of testimony. The legislative meetings rooms at the State Capitol weren’t large enough, so the hearing was moved to the Heritage Center auditorium.
Supporters of HB 1440 make the case that removing the ownership requirement would allow more competition and give North Dakotans access to cheaper drugs, including national retailers’ $4 prescriptions. Opponents of changing the law argue that making this change would reduce access to pharmacies in the state, especially in rural areas, and that local pharmacists provide better service.
Watch for the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee to make its recommendation on the bill in the next couple weeks. The House of Representatives will then debate the issue and cast their votes. If it passes the House, the Senate will then have its turn.
Information on a few driving related bills you may be interested in are listed below.
SAFETY BELT USE POINT REDUCTION
HB 1182 – If an individual commits a driving offense for which they lose points on their driver’s license they gain one point back if they are wearing their seatbelt.
Action: Passed House 56 to 38
SMOKING IN VEHICLES WITH CHILDREN
SB 2070 – Makes it illegal for an individual to smoke in a vehicle if youth under sixteen years of age is present.
Action: Passed Senate 35 to 10
WIRELESS TEXT MESSAGES BY DRIVERS PROHIBITED
HB 1208 – Would have made it illegal to send text messages while driving.
Action: Failed House 34 to 60
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