How does your law degree help you in your
legislative work?
As a lawyer, due to my education and experience, I have more general
knowledge of the law and the statutes. Many of my colleagues in the
legislature seek out my advice on bills they are planning to introduce
or on bills currently under consideration in the committees. Since
1999, I have personally been primary sponsor or cosponsor of over
300 bills, not including ULC bills.
What do you think are the most important issues
facing North Dakota today?
I think the most important issues facing the legislature include the
budget; behavioral health issues; justice reinvestment, criminal justice,
and public safety; bills relating to natural resources and environment;
workforce development; and human services. Issues of interest will
also likely include the Ethics Commission and marijuana issues.
REP. SHANNON ROERS JONES
District 46
Majority Caucus Leader
Serving since 2017
University of North Dakota
School of Law – 2011
Why did you decide to run for the State Legislature?
I have always had an interest in politics and government, but I didn’t
think about running for office until someone asked me to run for the
city commission. It took several months of research, and a retirement
in my legislative district, but I determined running for the legislature
was a position that was more interesting to me.
How does your law degree help you in your
legislative work?
My law degree helps me understand the language of the code, as well
as how the code has been applied to cases throughout history. My
legal training has helped me look at proposed legislation from both
sides to consider the unintended consequences of a change and seek
out the best solution.
What do you think are the most important issues
facing North Dakota today?
There are many important issues facing North Dakota, but I have
really enjoyed working on criminal justice reform. The current
climate in North Dakota has legislators looking at the “lock them up
longer” mindset of the past with a fresh perspective. I have enjoyed
the opportunity to utilize my legal hat, as well as my nonprofit hat, to
search for ways for the state and nonprofits to collaborate to reduce
the prison populations and recidivism.
REP. TOM KADING
District 45
Serving since 2015
University of North Dakota
School of Law – 2013
Why did you decide to run for the State Legislature?
What prompted me to run for the state legislature was the strong
convictions I had regarding how government should be run and the
kind of government I wish to leave for future generations. When I
first ran in 2014, I did not like the direction the country was headed
and decided if I wanted to see change, I should really become
involved.
How does your law degree help you in your
legislative work?
A legal background gives me a unique perspective when looking at
potential laws. When I consider a prospective law, I think about the
different ways an attorney can twist the words to reach a result. More
importantly, when I consider which way to vote on a certain bill, I try
to use rules, precedent, and elements in a similar manner in which
courts decide cases.
What do you think are the most important issues
facing North Dakota today?
In my opinion, the most important issue facing North Dakota is
ensuring we, as a state, are able to act and regulate as we in North
Dakota see fit rather than bureaucrats in D.C. Each state is unique
and a one-size-fits-all approach from a bloated D.C. is not good for
North Dakota.
REP. MARY JOHNSON
District 45
Serving since 2015
University of North Dakota
School of Law – 1994
How does your law degree help you in your
legislative work?
As lawyers, we know when proposed legislation is too vague and
ambiguous or when it is too specific. We can visualize having to
defend it in court. We are often very influential in changing proposed
legislation so it serves the general public.
*Rep. Mary Schneider was unavailable for comment.
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