KFYR-TV | Feb 21, 2017
Two Dakota Access Pipeline protest inspired bills are now headed to Governor Doug Burgum’s desk for final approval before becoming law.
A trespassing bill lawmakers say will ease the burden on the state’s justice system makes trespassing a violation, essentially the same as a minor speeding ticket, instead of a criminal offense.
The mask bill also finished the legislative process, but is much different than when it started.
It’s been amended to say wearing a mask is only illegal in the commission of a crime if the person is wearing it with the intent to harass or intimidate.
“This might be the only time the assembly hears me stand and say that we adopted an ACLU amendment to a bill. We did that in the House essentially. We want to make sure that we’re protecting everyone’s constitutional rights. This bill does that,” said Rep. Kim Koppelman, R-West Fargo.
The trespassing statute now mirrors the law Game and Fish uses to ticket trespassers.
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