Gov. Kelly Armstrong discusses his reasoning for wanting to combine or dissolve state boards with Scott Hennen
BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong testifies in the Senate State and Local Government Committee in support of a bill creating a task force to review state boards and commissions.
The legislation was introduced by Republican State Senator Kristin Roers of Fargo.
If the bill is passed, a task force would report back to the 2027 Legislature with recommendations on which boards can be combined or dissolved.
Armstrong says the Governor’s Office oversees more than 150 boards and commissions in state government each carrying a cost even with volunteer members.
“As currently proposed, Senate Bill 2308 dissolves 18 boards. In some cases, state agencies will absorb the duties and scope of the board’s work. When government stays in silos, it leads to duplicative work. Our goal for the task force is create efficiencies and make sure each board’s mission is still relevant today,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong first shared his support for the bill during his State of the State Address January 7. He signed an executive order that day dissolving five groups that hadn’t met in more than one calendar year.
