Armstrong discusses kratom, data centers, school meals & opposition to flock cameras

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong is slated to review a proposed data center bill during an upcoming special legislative session. The bill, championed by Dem-NPL State Senator Tim Mathern of Fargo, seeks to prohibit government entities from establishing non-disclosure agreements with data center developers. Governor Armstrong indicated that should the bill pass, it would go into effect in August of next year, unless an emergency clause is included.

Despite the impending data center legislation, Governor Armstrong emphasized that his primary focus for the special session is the regulation of kratom, which he considers a more critical and time-sensitive issue. He also stated his conditions for supporting a bill on free school meals, specifying it would need to align exactly with a ballot measure voters will consider in November. Additionally, Armstrong voiced opposition to the use of flock cameras by law enforcement due to privacy concerns, a stance contrasting with the Fargo Police Department's view that these cameras are vital for crime-solving.