Overview

The Legislative Council by statute consists of 17 legislators, including the majority and minority leaders of both houses and the Speaker of the House. The Speaker appoints six other representatives, three from the majority and three from the minority as recommended by the majority and minority leaders, respectively. The Lieutenant Governor, as President of the Senate, appoints four senators from the majority and two from the minority as recommended by the majority and minority leaders, respectively.

The Legislative Council staff consists of attorneys, accountants, researchers, and auxiliary personnel who are hired and who serve on a strictly nonpartisan basis.

In addition to conducting studies, through its committees, the Council and its staff provide a wide range of services to legislators, other state agencies, and the public. Attorneys on the staff provide legal advice and counsel on legislative matters to legislators and legislative committees. The Council supervises the publication of the Session Laws, the North Dakota Century Code, and the North Dakota Administrative Code. The Council has on its staff the Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor and assistants who provide technical assistance to Council committees and legislators and who review audit reports for the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee. The Council provides computer services to the legislative branch, including research and bill drafting capabilities. The Council's library contains a wide variety of materials and reference documents, many of which are not available from other sources.

The Legislative Council can be reached by e-mail (lcouncil@nd.gov), phone (701-328-2916), TTY (1-800-366-6888), FAX (701-328-3615), and mail -- Legislative Council, State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505-0360.