A bill proposed by a Republican lawmaker in North Dakota will shift forgive motorists any liability if they to run over pedestrians "negligently" occupying a freeway.
"Republican lawmakers in the state introduced a bill last week in the legislature that would not hold motorists liable for negligently running over someone obstructing a roadway," reports Justin Boggs. "The bill was introduced in response to a year of protests over a proposed pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation."
Nick Smith broke the news for the Bismark Tribune, reporting that Rep. Keith Kempenich, R-Bowman, wrote the legislation. The article quotes Kempenich's own words to describe the purpose of the bill: "It’s shifting the burden of proof from the motor vehicle driver to the pedestrian."
Smith provides additional details about the role of the North Dakota Highway Patrol in writing and enforcing the potential law. Boggs notes that the North Dakota House Transportation Committee will hear the bill later this week.
FULL STORY: Motorist liability introduced in response to pipeline protests
North Dakota House Rejects Law Legalizing Vehicular Violence Against Protestors
The North Dakota House of Representatives rejected a law designed to make it easier for drivers to run over protestors.
Following Study, Army Corps Needs More Study to Decide Dakota Access Route
As the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline continue, so does the legal wrangling.
Dakota Access Protest Dealt Legal Setback
The federal judge ruled against a challenge that would have halted construction on the $3.8 billion pipeline project connecting North Dakota to Illinois.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie