This bill proposes significant changes to the Sunday closing laws in North Dakota by introducing new regulations and exemptions for businesses operating 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 day. Additionally, the bill outlines specific items that are prohibited from sale or rental during these hours, including various types of clothing, home appliances, and tools, while allowing exceptions for hobby shows, craft fairs, and certain tourist attractions.

Furthermore, the bill identifies a list of businesses that are permitted to operate on Sundays, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and various service industries, while also allowing local governing bodies to adjust employee limits for certain businesses. It amends existing law to clarify that retail businesses cannot be mandated to open on Sundays as part of lease or franchise agreements executed 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 North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-30-04