North Dakota legislative committee advances resolution prompted by Holmberg case
A House committee on Thursday advanced a resolution that advises the 2027 Legislature to make lawmakers mandatory reporters of child abuse.
The proposal is sponsored by Rep. Nico Rios, R-Williston, and was drafted by the North Dakota Young Republicans.
Rios said the organization is bringing the proposal, House Concurrent Resolution 3037, in light of news surrounding former Republican Sen. Ray Holmberg's prison sentence.
A federal judge last week sentenced Holmberg to 10 years in prison after the former senator pleaded guilty to traveling abroad with the intent to have commercial sex with minors. Holmberg served in the state Legislature for more than four decades and held the powerful position of Senate Appropriations Committee chair.
Democratic ND senator proposes doubling Ethics Commission budget, citing Holmberg case
Rios said the Young Republicans were particularly struck by a sentencing memo filed by a federal prosecutor last month that alleged Holmberg had a pattern of exploiting boys and young men. Mark Friese, Holmberg's defense attorney, denied many of the allegations in the memo and said there's no evidence Holmberg had sex with minors.
Rios said that he gets questions from constituents asking whether other public officials in state government knew about Holmberg's conduct but stayed quiet.
'That is why we need mandatory reporting, we should be held to a higher standard,' Rios told the House Political Subdivisions Committee on Thursday morning.
Current mandatory reporters of child abuse include medical professionals, social workers, law enforcement and teachers, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services website.
The resolution also urges lawmakers to seek additional ways for the state to root out crimes against children by public officials, including by establishing new penalties.
The North Dakota Young Republicans suggest that the Legislature consider studying the issue during the upcoming interim session.
'We believe this study can begin to answer the question so many in our state are asking: How did this happen, and more importantly, how can we prevent it from ever happening again?' Derek Turbide, national committeeman for the North Dakota Young Republicans, said in testimony in support of the proposal.
The proposal originally contained verses from the Bible, which committee members voted to remove.
Some lawmakers also expressed concerns that the resolution ignores systems the state already has in place to combat child exploitation and neglect.
'I would support the study to make legislators mandatory reporters, but I think the rest is unnecessary,' said Rep. Jonathan Warrey, R-Casselton.
The committee gave the resolution a do-pass recommendation. The proposal is headed to the House floor for a vote.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
17 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Mars 'Toxic' Food Dyes in M&M's, Skittles Under Scrutiny
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Mars Inc., the company that produces a number of popular candy products, including Skittles and M&M's, over what his office says are "deceptive trade practices." Newsweek contacted Mars via email and online inquiry form, and Paxton by online inquiry form, for comment on Thursday outside regular office hours. Why It Matters Paxton, who is running for the Senate seat occupied by fellow Republican John Cornyn, said he was "fighting alongside" Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to improve Texans' health. Kennedy has launched a campaign, which he dubbed "Make America Healthy Again," targeting environmental health risks and chronic disease. What To Know Paxton's office announced on Wednesday that it is investigating Mars, accusing the company of "deceptive trade practices that violate Texas consumers' rights." Paxton also said he issued Mars a civil investigative demand requiring the company to hand over certain documentation. In its news release, the Texas Attorney General's Office said Mars had continued to sell products in the U.S. containing "toxic dyes" despite a 2016 pledge to "remove all artificial colors from its human food products," which was later applied to its products for sale in Europe. It said dyes used by Mars had been "linked to a number of negative health outcomes, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and even cancer." Mars insists its "artificial colors pose no known risks to human health or safety." A composite image showing bags of M&M's in New York City and a package of Skittles in the Netherlands. A composite image showing bags of M&M's in New York City and a package of Skittles in the Netherlands. Stephen Chernin/Yuriko Nakao/GETTY According to the official Skittles website, its U.S. ingredients list includes "natural and artificial flavors" and "colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1." M&M's sold in the U.S. contain coloring that "includes Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake." The statement said Paxton's office was "fighting alongside Secretary Kennedy and President Trump to help Americans get healthier by holding accountable big food companies." It added that in June, General Mills said it would remove artificial dyes from its products after a similar investigation by the Texas Attorney General's Office. In May, the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which was established by President Donald Trump, concluded that dyes and synthetic chemicals used in some products were having negative effects on children's health. What People Are Saying Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a news release on Wednesday: "Mars must remove toxic artificial dyes from its U.S. food products not only to honor its public commitment and ensure that it stays on the right side of the law, but also because it's the right thing to do. "It's clear that the movement to remove artificial colorings from our food supply is making incredible progress, and it's time for Mars to follow the lead of other companies like Nestle and Hershey by removing synthetic dyes from its products. For the health of Texans and all Americans, Mars must fulfill its 2016 pledge to get rid of these toxic ingredients." Speaking to Just Food, a Mars spokesperson said in February 2021: "We found that the majority of our U.S. consumers appreciate the current vibrant palette used in their favorite treats. So Mars will not remove all artificial colors from the entire portfolio, but will continue to offer a variety of options free from artificial colors, such as Snickers, Twix and Dove Milk and Dark Chocolate. This approach is consistent with intent to meet evolving consumer preferences." Mars said in a February 2016 news release: "Mars, Incorporated announced today that it will remove all artificial colors from its human food products as part of a commitment to meet evolving consumer preferences." What Happens Next Following the Make America Healthy Again Commission's report, Mars is likely to face further pressure to stop using artificial colors in its U.S. products.
Hamilton Spectator
19 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: Senate passes $9 billion in spending cuts to public broadcasting, foreign aid
Just after 2 a.m. ET, the Senate passed about $9 billion in federal spending cuts requested by President Donald Trump, including deep reductions to public broadcasting and foreign aid, moving forward on his top priorities despite concerns from several Republican senators. The legislation, which now moves to the House, would have a tiny impact on the nation's rising debt but could have major ramifications for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and U.S. food aid internationally. It also could complicate efforts to pass additional spending bills this year, as Democrats and even some Republicans voice objections to broadly ceding congressional spending power with little idea of how the White House Office of Management and Budget would apply the cuts. The 51-48 vote came after Democrats sought to remove many of the proposed rescissions during 12 hours of amendment votes. None of the Democratic amendments were adopted. Here's the Latest: Republican senators caution Trump against firing Fed chair Jerome Powell Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is gaining some key backing on Capitol Hill from GOP senators who fear the repercussions if Trump follows through with threats to try and remove the politically independent central banker. As Trump seemingly waffled back and forth this week on trying to dismiss the Fed chair, some Republicans in Congress began to speak up and warn that such a move would be a mistake. Trump would potentially obliterate the Fed's independence from political influence and inject uncertainty into the foundations of the U.S. economy if he fires Powell. 'If anybody thinks it would be a good idea for the Fed to become another agency in the government subject to the president, they're making a huge mistake,' GOP North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said in a floor speech. The measure of support from GOP members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs showed how traditional Republicans are carefully navigating a presidency in which Trump often flirts with ideas — like steep tariffs or firing the Fed chair — that threaten to undermine confidence in the U.S. economy. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Fox News
20 minutes ago
- Fox News
Trump-signed fentanyl law will end ‘cat and mouse' with traffickers, state attorneys general say
President Donald Trump signed a bill into law on Wednesday that classifies fentanyl-related drugs as more dangerous substances as part of the president's broader crackdown on the country's opioid epidemic. The bill, called the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, was a Republican-led effort but gained wide bipartisan support in the House and Senate. It places fentanyl-related substances permanently into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, which means crimes related to the illicit drugs will require prison sentences. More than two dozen Republican state attorneys general previously urged Congress to pass the bill, calling it "vital" to addressing a "cataclysmic surge of overdose deaths" in the United States in a letter to congressional leaders. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson told Fox News Digital just before Trump signed the bill that even though laws already impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug traffickers who sell fentanyl, the bill addresses fentanyl analogues, which are synthetic opioids similar in structure to the original drug. "When a Chinese chemist or a Mexican cartel chemist changes one molecule, changes one component of the fentanyl drug, they actually make it difficult for federal prosecutors to go after them," Wilson said, adding that the new law will end what has become a game of "cat and mouse" for prosecutors. Schedule I drugs are those that have no government-approved medical use. Fentanyl analogues had been temporarily classified under that schedule, but the new bill permanently codifies it. Opioids and synthetic opioids are the top two causes of drug overdose deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug overdoses declined in 2024 but still remain the leading cause of death for Americans 18–44 years old, according to the agency. Critics of the HALT Fentanyl Act, who include some Democrats and civil rights groups, warned that harmless substances that do not warrant mandatory prison time could get swept up in the "fentanyl analogue" category and that the bill does nothing to address the root causes of substance abuse. "It's shocking that lawmakers still believe we can police our way out of a public health crisis — despite over fifty years of evidence to the contrary," Liz Komar, counsel at the Sentencing Project, said in a statement. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird supported the stricter sentencing practices, telling Fox News Digital she has witnessed firsthand as the top cop in her state how "those sentences protect victims" and "help get justice for victims, for our communities." "I really think the only people that could be against [the HALT Fentanyl Act] would be the drug cartels, because they have so much to lose by us cracking down on fentanyl and the money that they make by poisoning thousands of Americans," Bird said. Among those attending Trump's bill signing in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday were several of the attorneys general, congressional leaders, immigration groups and families who have lost loved ones to addictions and overdoses. Gregory Swan spoke about his son Drew, who died from a fentanyl overdose at 24 years old. He was prescribed painkillers after a sports injury, which spurred his addiction. "It's the honor of my life to be here," Swan said while holding a framed picture of his son. "Drew was — the happiest day of my life was when he was born, and he always called me his hero until the day he died. And his passing ruined, I thought, my life. … There is despair and there's hopelessness. But, we've been able to find some repose in going out and advocating." The new bill came as part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to curb overdose deaths and stem the flow of illegal drugs into the country. Just one day prior, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting Drug Enforcement Administrator Robert Murphy announced recent major drug bust operations and an update on their seizures of fentanyl, widely known for being highly potent in minuscule doses. Authorities warn that overdoses can occur because more innocuous drugs, such as Adderall, can be laced with it, unbeknownst to the consumer. The DEA has this year seized over 44 million fentanyl pills and 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, Bondi said, adding that federal authorities have made 2,105 fentanyl-related arrests. "I want to remind all Americans to exercise extreme caution: a pill can kill," the attorney general said.
