Today, the House passed Senate Bill 2044, legislation that will punish association, violate freedom of assembly and almost certainly stifle protected speech.
The bill now heads to Gov. Doug Burgum to be signed into law.
The ACLU of North Dakota opposed Senate Bill 2044. The bill will increase the legal penalties for tampering with or damaging a critical infrastructure facility or public service and will criminalize activity far beyond the intentional causing of property damage, extending penalties to activity such as “interfering with” or “inhibiting” the operations of critical infrastructure.
It's time to take action. Click here to urge Gov. Burgum to veto this bill and defend free speech for all North Dakotans.
OR Copy and paste the letter below to your email and personalize how you wish.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Gov. Burgum,
My name is [insert name here],
I am reaching out to you today to discuss Senate Bill 2044. This bill recently passed through both chambers and is on its way to your desk. I'm urging you to veto this bill. Existing law already prohibits trespassing and malicious destruction of property and conspiracies to commit the same. Given that, this bill’s focus on critical infrastructure facilities belies its neutral purpose – as do its excessive fines. Additionally, Senate Bill 2044 will punish organizations found to be a conspirator with those individuals found to be in violation of the new prohibitions. Making an organization criminally liable for all damage would impermissibly burden the rights of political association that are protected by the First Amendment – the literal embodiment of guilt by association.
Now is the time, Gov. Burgum. Please listen to your constituents you were elected to represent and veto this bill.
Sincerely,
[Insert your name and address here]
