Grain Buyer Bill a Focus for ND Legislature

The North Dakota State Legislative session convenes Tuesday and House Agriculture Committee Chair Dennis Johnson is looking forward to the committee meeting on Thursday. “Our first committee hearing will be a virtual joint hearing with the Senate. Due to COVID, the members won’t be in the same committee room and those presenting will be virtual.” In fact, lawmakers will get to choose whether or not they are at Bismarck in-person this year due to COVID. “It’s a learning curve for everyone.” Johnson expects the first few items of business for the ag committee to focus on pre-filed bills, including House Bill 1026, which looks at grain buyers, processing and licensing. Johnson says lawmakers are proposing licensing take place annually.