BISMARCK — Three bills introduced in response to Dakota Access Pipeline protests moved a step closer to becoming law Thursday, Feb. 16.
The North Dakota Senate approved three bills, already approved by House lawmakers and "fast-tracked" for consideration, that relate to penalties for riot offenses, wearing a mask while committing a crime and criminal trespass citations.
House Bill 1426, which passed Thursday with a 35-10 vote, increases penalties for riot offenses. Crimes such as inciting a riot involving 100 or more people or providing weapons for a riot will increase from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
Engaging in a riot or failing to disperse when ordered by police would increase from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
About 700 arrests have been made during Dakota Access protests since August, including some individuals who were arrested more than once. The charge of engaging in a riot has been used more than 360 times during the pipeline protests, according to information provided by the Morton County Sheriff's Department.
Sen. Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged support for the bill and emphasized it does not make participating in a protest a crime.
"I have no doubt that the vast majority of the people at the DAPL protest are peaceful," Armstrong said. "But there is a strong minority and contingent that has not always acted peacefully and our laws have proven to be inadequate down there in regards to felony prosecution."
Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, argued against the bills, saying they were an overreaction to the protests.
"Most of the people that have been involved in the activities in Morton County are actually peace-loving people," said Mathern, adding they are trying to get a message across about protecting the environment, their way of life and constitutional rights.
read on: http://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/4219466-3-bills-inspired-dakota-access-protests-pass-nd-senate
Love Aways
mudra
The North Dakota Senate approved three bills, already approved by House lawmakers and "fast-tracked" for consideration, that relate to penalties for riot offenses, wearing a mask while committing a crime and criminal trespass citations.
House Bill 1426, which passed Thursday with a 35-10 vote, increases penalties for riot offenses. Crimes such as inciting a riot involving 100 or more people or providing weapons for a riot will increase from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
Engaging in a riot or failing to disperse when ordered by police would increase from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
About 700 arrests have been made during Dakota Access protests since August, including some individuals who were arrested more than once. The charge of engaging in a riot has been used more than 360 times during the pipeline protests, according to information provided by the Morton County Sheriff's Department.
Sen. Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged support for the bill and emphasized it does not make participating in a protest a crime.
"I have no doubt that the vast majority of the people at the DAPL protest are peaceful," Armstrong said. "But there is a strong minority and contingent that has not always acted peacefully and our laws have proven to be inadequate down there in regards to felony prosecution."
Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, argued against the bills, saying they were an overreaction to the protests.
"Most of the people that have been involved in the activities in Morton County are actually peace-loving people," said Mathern, adding they are trying to get a message across about protecting the environment, their way of life and constitutional rights.
read on: http://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/4219466-3-bills-inspired-dakota-access-protests-pass-nd-senate
Love Aways
mudra
