North Dakota lawmakers debate data center NDAs

News Clip6:32InForum·Bismarck, Burleigh County, ND·9/2/2026

North Dakota lawmakers are holding a special session in Bismarck to discuss a bill that would ban public officials from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for industrial projects like AI data centers. This proposed legislation aims to increase transparency around such developments. The special session is set to run through Friday.

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Gov: North Dakota legislators, Governor Kelly Armstrong

North Dakota legislators convened in Bismarck for their second special session, called by Governor Kelly Armstrong primarily to address kratom regulations. However, the session's agenda extends to five other bills, one of which directly impacts industrial developments like artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

This specific bill proposes to prohibit public officials from entering into certain non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to these projects. The debate signifies a legislative effort to potentially increase transparency and public oversight concerning large-scale industrial ventures, including the burgeoning data center sector, within North Dakota. The special session is scheduled to continue through Friday.