ND state Senate leader disputes need for measure

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The Republican majority leader of the North Dakota Senate says state legislators don't need to be ordered to read the bills that they vote on.

Bismarck state Sen. Bob Stenehjem (STEN'-jum) doesn't like a proposed ballot measure that requires lawmakers to promise they've read a bill before they vote for it.

The measure also says legislation has to be posted on the Internet for at least four days before it comes up for a vote.

Stenehjem says North Dakota lawmakers aren't ignorant about the details of legislation. The North Dakota constitution says the Legislature has to finish its session in 80 days, and Stenehjem says the measure will make the deadline tougher to meet.

The measure's supporters say it's important that lawmakers read the bills that they support.

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