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

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

Jacksonville Adding New Bike Racks
The city will add dozens of new bike racks over the coming months to prevent bike theft and reduce sidewalk clutter.

In Dense NYC, What Does ‘Human Scale’ Mean?
Advocates reject the NIMBY label, arguing that they seek a more sustainable, incremental pace of growth modeled on mid-rise neighborhoods.

Nevada Legislature Unanimously Passes Regional Rail Bill
If signed by the governor, the bill will create a task force aimed at developing a regional passenger rail system.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada