Summary of 2017 Session
by Christopher Dodson
Executive Director
North Dakota Catholic Conference
May 2017

Assessing a legislatives session from the perspective of Catholic issues is not easy task. By its nature the political process is never perfect. At the same time, the church does not always propose specific public policy proposals, but instead offers guidance on issues that may not always result in “yes” or “no” recommendations on particular bills.

Nevertheless, we can makes some observations about the last legislative session. As can be seen from the list below, the North Dakota Catholic Conference’s position prevailed on the bills it identified as most significant. At the same time, we wish more could have been done in the area of human services, especially behavioral health and addiction services.

The conference opposed more bills than any previous session. Usually, the conference opposes only one or two bills of importance. This session it actively opposed thirteen bills. Eight of those involved threats to religious freedom.

Also noteworthy is that the corporate guardianship program at Catholic Charities and the Alternatives to Abortion program received funding increases at a time when most programs received reductions in funding. Both of these programs are strongly supported by the Catholic Church.

Discovering how your legislator voted on these bills can be difficult. Contact the North Dakota Catholic Conference office if you need assistance.”