AGP Executive Report

Diesel Tax Fight: Minnesota DFL Sen. Rob Kupec is pressing Gov. Tim Walz to let farmers use lower-taxed dyed diesel on highways, pointing to North Dakota’s emergency-style approach and urging fuel relief if lawmakers don’t act. Co-op Month/Data Centers: North Dakota’s electric co-ops say they’re weighing data-center growth through a members-first lens, with in-lieu-of property tax tied to electricity sales feeding local taxing districts. School Connectivity at Risk: A federal review of the E-Rate program could cut discounted internet and hardware support for North Dakota schools and libraries, raising worries about new taxpayer costs. SNAP Oversight: Lawmakers heard North Dakota’s SNAP payment error rate is above the federal threshold, with potential state financial exposure under new federal rules. Health Policy/ACA Checks: Trump’s administration has started mailing $500 “Obamacare refund” checks to eligible enrollees in 30 states, including North Dakota. Public Safety: A sobriety checkpoint is planned for Dickey County Oct. 2 as the state tracks alcohol-related crash deaths. Children’s Cabinet: The Children’s Cabinet launches a statewide road show to gather input and coordinate services for kids and families.

Obamacare Refunds: The Trump administration has begun mailing $500 rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including North Dakota, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges on the federal ACA exchange. State Education: North Dakota Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is visiting districts statewide, including Grand Forks, as he runs for superintendent in the Nov. 3 election. Housing Policy: The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency held a Community Housing Needs Forum in Dickinson to bring together developers, lenders, and local leaders on housing shortages and solutions. Children’s Services: The North Dakota Children’s Cabinet launched a statewide “road show” with public stops in 11 cities to gather input and push a more coordinated system of care. Census Planning: Grand Forks-area officials weighed proposed changes to how the Census counts “usual residence” and demographic questions, with comments due Oct. 13. Energy & Data Centers: A Senate vote failed to advance a bill aimed at shielding ratepayers from data center upgrade costs, a fight that includes ND Sen. John Hoeven as a cosponsor. Public Safety: Fargo police identified a homicide victim and arrested suspect Brandon George after a Nebraska capture near Ashland.

Healthcare consolidation: HealthPartners and Essentia Health approved a definitive affiliation to form a single nonprofit system under the HealthPartners name, spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota—prompting scrutiny from Minnesota AG Keith Ellison and fresh concerns from nurses. State politics & elections: In District 17’s Senate race, challenger Katie Benton and incumbent Jonathan Sickler clash over education planning and tax/property tax relief priorities ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Public safety history: Grand Forks police “moral decency” enforcement during Prohibition-era rules is revisited in a new look at how local law enforcement has changed. Ag policy: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a diesel emergency, expanding red-dyed diesel use on highways for licensed ag operations through Nov. 30 to cut harvest costs. Courts & water: Rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council sued after the state dismissed their challenge to a Wahpeton-area water sale tied to a proposed large dairy. Judicial appointment: Armstrong appointed Minot attorney Christene Reierson to the North Central Judicial District, filling a vacancy created by Judge Todd Cresap’s retirement. Veterans: Western North Dakota Honor Flight brought a record five women veterans to Washington, D.C. Workforce: North Dakota reported 12,435 job openings statewide, with 3,737 in healthcare, as the governor pushes to merge workforce programs into a new Department of Workforce Development.

Fuel Relief & Emergency Order: Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a state of emergency and expanded the use of lower-tax red-dyed diesel for licensed vehicles tied to North Dakota agriculture, aiming to cut harvest-season costs by about 19 cents per gallon through Nov. 30. Courts & Water Rights: A group of rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council sued in district court to challenge the North Dakota Department of Water Resources’ approval of a Wahpeton water sale tied to a large Abercrombie dairy, arguing they were denied a proper evidentiary hearing. Judicial Appointment: Armstrong appointed Minot attorney Christene Reierson to the North Central Judicial District, filling the vacancy created by Judge Todd Cresap’s retirement, with a start date of Nov. 16. Election Fight in Supreme Court: Three North Dakota Republican Party officials sued the secretary of state over alleged inconsistent enforcement of election rules, seeking to overturn ballot access for four GOP legislative candidates. Healthcare & Medicaid Billing: Prairie St. John’s Hospital agreed to a $5.5 million settlement over alleged Medicaid and state voucher billing issues, with a provision barring public disclosure for months. Local Government: Grand Forks County commissioners approved switching employee health insurance to NDPERS, lowering estimated premiums but drawing concerns about how 2027 excess funds may be used.

Federal Wetlands Overhaul: The Interior Department says it will revise how it enforces wetland rules on North Dakota farmland, letting producers redraw old easement maps and manage excess field water without penalty as long as duck habitat protections remain in place. Drug Pricing Relief: North Dakota AG Alan Wilson is urging consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices after preliminary court approval of the distribution plan. Election Watch (ND-7th): Prairie Public will host U.S. House debates for North Dakota and Minnesota’s 7th District; ND’s debate features Trygve Hammer plus independents Helene Neville and Charles Tuttle, while incumbent Julie Fedorchak won’t take part. Missouri River Water Fight: Six governors, including Gov. Kelly Armstrong, oppose a House-passed provision that would restrict Missouri River water diversions/exports unless all basin-state governors agree. College Sports Law: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, with ND Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven voting yes. Local Government: Fargo approved its 2027 budget, including eight more police officers and funding for social services. Education Pressure: Grand Forks teachers and parents say special education staffing cuts are already hurting students, as the district works on fixes.

Constitutional Ballot Fight: North Dakota House Speaker Robin Weisz backs Measure 1, arguing future constitutional ballot measures should need a 60% vote, not a simple majority, saying the constitution shouldn’t be changed “at the whim” of the moment. Election Law in Court: A Minot-area lawsuit asks the North Dakota Supreme Court to remove four GOP candidates from the ballot, alleging petition paperwork issues like incomplete addresses and missing party affiliation. Water Rights Clash: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other basin-state governors oppose a U.S. House provision that would restrict Missouri River water diversions/exports unless all 10 governors agree, warning it would infringe on state authority. Open-Records/Corrections Oversight: The AG’s office continues scrutiny tied to the F5 Project, including claims of improper financial arrangements and perks while the nonprofit handled addiction and recovery services. Public Safety: A Grand Forks man accused of attempted murder was found not criminally responsible and ordered to treatment at the state hospital while his case remains open. Immigration & Health Care: North Dakota employers in Health Care and Social Assistance filed 105 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 96.2% approval rate. Education: State K-12 Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is visiting four Grand Forks schools to listen to educators and students as he works to tour every district.

Ag Commissioner Race: Democrat Vern Thompson is challenging Republican Doug Goehring, centering his campaign on data center plans and concerns about health, farmland use, and strain on electricity and water; Goehring calls Thompson’s criticism “political grandstanding.” Federal Oversight & Politics: A Reuters report says if Democrats win control of Congress, corporate donors and participants in Trump family business deals could face early subpoenas and investigations, potentially starting as soon as February. Courts & Health Policy: The North Dakota Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on puberty blockers, hormones, and gender surgeries for minors, rejecting arguments that the law creates a constitutional right to those procedures. Immigration & Enforcement: Community members protested increased ICE activity in the Bismarck area, while separate coverage notes a shelter-in-place after a fatal shooting on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Elections & Voting: North Dakota absentee voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with the secretary of state outlining voter ID requirements. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain volatile in the state, and a national report highlights how high diesel costs are forcing school districts to cut routes and other spending.

North Dakota Supreme Court: The state’s top court unanimously upheld North Dakota’s ban on puberty blockers, hormones, and “mutilating gender surgeries” for minors, rejecting arguments that the procedures create a fundamental right. Open Government: The ND Attorney General issued a summary opinion saying the Dickey County Senior Citizens Center did not violate open records law because it never received the records request. Education Funding: A federal E-Rate program that helps North Dakota schools and libraries pay for broadband and network costs is facing potential cuts or repeal, putting local budgets at risk. Immigration & Labor: USCIS reported 1,466 H-2B worker approvals tied to North Dakota worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 99.6% approval rate. Veterans & Civic Life: Western North Dakota veterans on the Honor Flight were welcomed in Washington, D.C., with a return to Bismarck scheduled Monday evening. Energy Costs: Diesel and midgrade gas prices varied by county in the Sept. 19 reporting week, with statewide averages edging up.

Open Records & Open Meetings: The ND attorney general issued multiple summary opinions, including that the Dickey County Senior Citizens Center didn’t violate open records law because it never received a request, while White Shield Public School District violated both open records and open meetings rules, and Stutsman County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee broke open meetings law by conducting business via email. Education Funding: A federal E-Rate change could slash support for K-12 technology budgets in North Dakota, with schools and libraries warning local governments may be forced to cover costs. Energy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports show regular gas in McLean County hit $4.09 in the week ending Sept. 19, with statewide regular averaging $4.18; diesel prices also stayed elevated statewide. State Government Oversight: Lawmakers urged an attorney general probe after audits flagged problems in the North Dakota Development Fund’s business financing program, including missing documentation and concerns about high-risk loans. Constitutional Politics: The Greater North Dakota Chamber hosted a debate over Measure 1, which would raise the vote threshold for future constitutional amendments to 60%. Agriculture & Federal Land Use: Sen. Kevin Cramer and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with Prairie Pothole landowners over Fish and Wildlife Service wetland easements and the “setback rule,” pressing for clearer rules and accountability. Public Safety: ND’s “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign produced 5,409 citations, including 4,917 speeding tickets, as speeding and aggressive driving remain a major factor in fatal crashes.

Open Records Watch: The ND Attorney General issued summary opinions tied to transparency disputes, finding the Dickey County Senior Citizens Center didn’t violate open records law because it never received the request, while also ruling the ND Department of Health and Human Services complied by providing all records in its possession. Open Meetings: The AG also found the Stutsman County Local Emergency Planning Committee violated open meetings law by conducting committee business via email. School Transparency: White Shield Public School District was found to have violated open records and open meetings requirements, including failing to respond promptly and missing meeting notice obligations. State Oversight: Lawmakers are pushing for an AG probe after an audit flagged problems with the North Dakota Development Fund’s business financing program, including missing documentation and concerns about high-risk loans and conflicts. Local Governance: Jamestown City Council budget talks include a proposed $120,000 franchise fee for Otter Tail Power to offset pole-related charges. Energy Prices: GasBuddy price reports show steady statewide averages around mid-$4s for regular and low-$6s for diesel in the week ending Sept. 19, with multiple counties posting single lowest-price stations.

Constitutional Rules Debate: At a Bismarck policy summit, supporters and opponents of Measure 1 sparred over raising the vote threshold for future constitutional amendments to 60%, with the League of Women Voters warning it creates a “significant barrier” to citizen participation. Open Government Watch: The ND AG issued summary legal opinions finding the Stutsman County Local Emergency Planning Committee violated open meetings law by conducting business by email, while the White Shield Public School District violated open records and open meetings rules; other opinions addressed compliance by the Dickey County Senior Citizens Center and ND Health and Human Services. Workforce Overhaul: Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced a new unified workforce agency structure and named Katie Ralston Howe as the state’s first workforce commissioner, aiming to reduce fragmentation without expanding government. Higher Ed Scrutiny: UND leaders told lawmakers they’re responding to a U.S. Department of Education inquiry tied to foreign funding disclosures involving pilot training contracts connected to Chinese airlines. Immigration Enforcement Tensions: ICE activity in Bismarck and Mandan drew protests, and local reporting highlighted detainees held at the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center. Energy and Economy: A new CEO takes the helm at North Dakota Mill and Elevator, while oil coverage spotlights Phoenix Energy’s rapid Bakken expansion. Public Safety: A five-vehicle crash in West Fargo sent one person to the hospital; separate coverage also notes a human smuggling attempt thwarted near Neche.

ICE Detention in Bismarck-Mandan: Protesters gathered in Bismarck after a spike in ICE activity and arrests, including detentions tied to a local restaurant closure; the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center says its long-running federal relationship has shifted as state prison bed shortages have reduced ICE capacity. Local Government & Elections: Traill County held a second public forum on proposed ballot measures, including possible changes to North Dakota’s 3% property tax cap for political subdivisions. Workforce Overhaul: Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced a new, unified workforce agency structure and named Katie Ralston Howe as North Dakota’s first workforce commissioner, with legislative action expected in January. Higher Ed & Federal Scrutiny: UND is responding to a U.S. Department of Education investigation tied to foreign funding disclosures involving pilot training contracts connected to Chinese airlines. Border Security: U.S. Border Patrol stopped an attempted human smuggling run near Neche, arresting four people and charging two U.S. citizens with smuggling. Open Government: The ND AG issued summary legal opinions involving open records and open meetings violations by multiple local entities, including a Stutsman County committee email process.

Elections & Voting: North Dakota absentee voting is underway for the Nov. 3 election, with Secretary of State Michael Howe emphasizing voter ID rules and how ballots are handled if address details don’t match. Ballot Measures: Voters will also decide Measure 1 (raising the threshold for future constitutional ballot measures to 60%) and Measure 2, which would amend the constitution to fund free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 public school students. Public Safety: A statewide “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign produced 5,409 citations from July 1 to Aug. 9, including 4,917 for speeding, plus seat belt and distracted driving tickets. Law & Regulation: North Dakota AG Drew Wrigley says new kratom restrictions will take six months to write, with all sales banned until regulations are in place. Workforce: Job Service ND says 38 of 53 counties face worker shortages, with healthcare the biggest gap by 2034. Local Government: Jamestown’s police staffing plan recommends adding six patrol officers and one records clerk over two fiscal years. Energy & Cost of Living: A report ranks North Dakota among the highest-tax states per person, while gas-price tracking shows weekly lows and continued volatility.

Library Leadership: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora named Robbie Lauf interim CEO, launching a national search for a permanent chief executive after Edward F. O’Keefe’s Sept. 18 departure. Elections & Voting Rules: North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe outlined voter ID requirements, including acceptable tribal IDs and a set-aside ballot process for voters who arrive without proper ID. State Government Oversight: Lawmakers and the North Dakota Development Fund Board are moving toward a public-and-possible-closed-door “strategic session” after an audit panel flagged missing records, questionable job reporting, and conflict-of-interest issues tied to the state-backed business financing program. Public Safety: North Dakota agencies issued 5,409 citations during the “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign, with 4,917 for speeding, plus seat belt and distracted driving tickets. Cost of Living: Q1 2026 state tax collections totaled $1.2 billion, down 7.2% from the same quarter last year. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Pembina County at $4.04 (week ending Sept. 19), with other county spot checks showing similar price pressure across the state.

Diesel Costs and Public Safety: Diesel hit a new high in Grand Forks County, with the lowest reported price at $5.89 and the county average at $6.23, adding pressure to farmers and local budgets. AG Push on “Fleeing” Laws: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley urged lawmakers to strengthen penalties for drivers fleeing police after deadly crashes, arguing sentences should not be “cheapened” and noting a similar bill previously failed. F5 Project Oversight: The F5 Project agreed to five years of increased state monitoring after Wrigley’s investigation found self-dealing zero-interest loans and conflicts of interest tied to leaders’ transactions. Workforce Reorganization: Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced a new unified workforce agency structure and named Katie Ralston Howe as the state’s first workforce commissioner, with legislative action planned in January. Election Logistics: Absentee voting begins statewide, with ballots needing to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day (not just postmarked), and early in-person voting running from Oct. 22 through Nov. 2. Media Access Fight: Armstrong said he opposes a Trump White House ban on three media outlets, calling himself a First Amendment “absolutist.” Local Community/Service: A clay shooting fundraiser in Horace will benefit Fisher House North Dakota, aiming to support families of Fargo VA patients.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE activity in the Bismarck-Mandan area led to more than a dozen bookings at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center, with local reports noting arrests tied to a Bismarck restaurant. Elections: Absentee voting for North Dakota’s November midterms begins Thursday statewide, with ballots due back in hand by 7 p.m. on Election Day; early in-person voting runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 2. First Amendment Fight: Gov. Kelly Armstrong criticized a White House ban on three media outlets, calling himself a “First Amendment absolutist” as a federal judge heard arguments in the lawsuit. Workforce Overhaul: Armstrong announced a new Department of Workforce Development to unify fragmented workforce programs under a single commissioner, naming Katie Ralston Howe as the first workforce commissioner and seeking legislative approval in January. Consumer Protection/Nonprofit Scrutiny: Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced sanctions and a compliance agreement tied to Fargo’s F5 Project, alleging illegal self-dealing loans and conflicts of interest. Public Safety & Local Policy: Bismarck weighed tougher enforcement on homeless camping, with proposals aimed at repeat offenders and jail time. Agriculture & Outdoors: North Dakota set a youth pheasant hunting weekend for Oct. 3-4 for hunters 15 and younger, with an unarmed adult required in the field.