Letter to the Editor
Sobriety checkpoints can prevent DUI-related deaths
Rep. Bob Hunskor
02/10/2015
If law enforcement had a way that would have the potential of preventing one in ten DUI-related deaths, would you want our enforcement community to use it?
We already have it and HB 1084, if passed, would make it unlawful.
The Center of Disease Control and Prevention contends that sobriety checkpoints have the potential to prevent one in ten DUI-related deaths.
HB 1084 would not allow law enforcement to perform traffic stops unless they had reasonable suspicion.
Supporters of the measure state, “Any situation where people are being stopped without cause is an infringement on our civil liberties.”
Law enforcement officials said that checkpoints, saturation patrols and education are tools that minimize the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Guns in Schools
HB 1195 is similar to a bill that was defeated last session.
The measure would allow a class 1 concealed weapon license holder to carry a firearm on school property if the individual has the approval of the school board.
It would also require training with local law enforcement for school emergencies and could mandate an exam to determine if the person is “psychologically fit” to respond to an active shooter situation.
The bill’s sponsor pointed out that in some rural districts it could take 30 minutes or more for law enforcement to respond.
The executive director of the ND Council of Educational Leaders said arming teachers and staff with guns “would cause them to take on significant responsibility and potential lawsuits” that are beyond the expertise and experience of most school personnel.
Best option for School Safety
HB 1388 would create a pilot program for funding school resource officers in rural school districts.
The proposal would provide 1,050,000 in general fund dollars to the Department of Public Instruction for school resource officers.
School districts who qualify for the pilot program would contract with a local law enforcement agency for two years.
An amendment to the bill would extend the program for four years and increase the funding to $2.98 million for 18 districts based on an $80,000 annual salary for the officers.
It would also increase law enforcement share of the cost of the program from 20 percent in the first year to 80 percent in the fourth year.
Education officials testified that HB 1388 is the best option for addressing guns in schools.
Oil and Gas Regulations
SB 2342 would require the ND Industrial Commission to vote on any settlements with oil and gas companies as a result of violating state regulations.
Currently, the Department of Mineral Resources Director has the final signature on settlements of civil penalties. The Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner of Agriculture are members of the Industrial Commission.
The Department of Mineral Resources determines penalties for oil and gas companies who have violations and often suspend up to ninety percent of the fine in settlement agreements.
The settlement agreement requires companies to have no similar violations during the suspension period. The Director of Mineral Resources said with suspended penalties there have been no repeat offenders.
The bill’s sponsor said the perception is that North Dakota is too lenient and more severe fines would deter bad actors from regulatory violations.
Sales Tax Exemption
SB 2233 would end the sales tax on clothing with some exemptions.
The bill includes $9.5 million to reimburse cities and counties for lost sales tax revenue. In addition, the state would lose an estimated $40.6 million in taxes on clothing in the next biennium. North Dakota levies a 5 percent tax on retail sales which includes clothing.
Supporters of the bill said it is about fairness because there is no sales tax on internet sales.
Please contact me with your suggestions or concerns. My e-mail address is bhunskor@nd.gov or you may contact me at (888) 635-3447 and your message will be forwarded to me.