Some groups are unhappy with the results of North Dakota’s legislative session, and assert that the values and priorities of North Dakotans were not adequately represented. In response, “The People’s Session” will be hosted on May 16th by progressive advocacy groups, including Gender Justice, Prairie Action, and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The event aims to hear directly from North Dakotans what their policy priorities are, and what they would like to see in future legislation. Gender Justice Executive Director Megan Peterson cited a survey of 800 North Dakota adults conducted by nonpartisan research firm PerryUndem. The survey showed support for expanded reproductive rights, child care, and affordable housing—priorities Peterson claims lawmakers neglected while focusing on divisive issues like bathroom bills and library restrictions. Though many of these controversial bills were rejected, advocates say this takes up valuable session time that could have been used to solve imperative issues regarding healthcare, housing, schools, LGBTQ issues, and reproductive rights, which will be addressed at the free all-day session next week. The People’s Session aims to develop policy proposals reflective of North Dakotan values for the 2027 legislative session. Registration is required for in-person participation on the Gender Justice website. People unable to attend can submit input online.
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