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
North Dakota House Rejects Law Legalizing Vehicular Violence Against Protestors
The North Dakota House of Representatives rejected a law designed to make it easier for drivers to run over protestors.
Following Study, Army Corps Needs More Study to Decide Dakota Access Route
As the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline continue, so does the legal wrangling.
Dakota Access Protest Dealt Legal Setback
The federal judge ruled against a challenge that would have halted construction on the $3.8 billion pipeline project connecting North Dakota to Illinois.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.
In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.
Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.
Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service