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Bill

HCR 3032

A concurrent resolution to create and enact a new section to article XI of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to the minimum wage.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by LaurieBeth Hager

Failed constitutional amendment proposal to establish a minimum wage requirement in North Dakota; rejected 79-11 in second reading on March 7, 2025.

Second reading, failed to adopt yeas 11 nays 79
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Bill Summary · HCR 3032

Legislative bill overview

HCR 3032 proposes to amend North Dakota's constitution to establish a minimum wage provision. The bill would create a new constitutional section under Article XI, though the specific wage amount and implementation details are not provided in the available legislative record. This is a constitutional amendment resolution, which requires legislative approval before proceeding to voter consideration.

Why is this important

Minimum wage policy directly affects workers' purchasing power, business operating costs, and economic inequality. North Dakota currently has no state minimum wage, defaulting to the federal minimum of $7.25/hour. A constitutional amendment would make any minimum wage change difficult to modify without another constitutional amendment, locking policy into the state's highest legal framework.

Potential points of contention

  • Business impact concerns: Employers, particularly small businesses and agricultural operations significant to North Dakota's economy, may argue higher minimum wages increase labor costs and reduce hiring
  • Federal preemption questions: Whether states should set wages above federal minimums versus relying on federal standards, and coordination between state and federal policy
  • Constitutional rigidity: Placing wage policy in the constitution rather than statute makes future adjustments (for inflation, economic conditions, or regional variations) extremely difficult and reduces legislative flexibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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