This bill proposes significant changes to the Sunday closing laws in North Dakota by introducing new regulations regarding business operations on Sundays. It establishes that engaging in business or labor for profit between midnight and noon on Sundays is a class B misdemeanor, with certain exemptions for individuals observing a different Sabbath. Additionally, the bill outlines a comprehensive list of items that are prohibited from sale or rental during these hours, including various clothing, appliances, and furniture, while allowing exceptions for specific sales events and tourist attractions.

Furthermore, the bill specifies which businesses are permitted to operate on Sundays, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and various service industries, while also allowing for limited employee presence in retail settings. It amends existing law to clarify that retail businesses cannot be mandated to open on Sundays as part of lease agreements made after January 1, 2019, with violations classified as a class A misdemeanor. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and clarify the legal framework surrounding Sunday business operations in the state.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-30-04