North Dakota lawmakers weigh AI and data-center rules after crowded hearing

North Dakota lawmakers have begun studying how the state should regulate artificial intelligence and large data centers after a crowded July 15 hearing in Bismarck focused on local control, electricity demand, water use, land use and the pace of facility construction.

More than 70 members of the public attended the first meeting of the interim Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee, according to KFGO’s coverage of the hearing. Residents, local-government representatives and business advocates raised concerns about how communities would manage the infrastructure and land-use effects of new facilities.

The committee is gathering information ahead of possible legislation for the 2027 legislative session. It has not enacted a statewide moratorium, data-center ban or comprehensive artificial-intelligence law.

What lawmakers are studying

Official legislative materials give the committee a broad assignment. Its work includes examining possible artificial-intelligence regulations, federal preemption, statutory protections for children and the development and siting of data centers.

The committee also is directed to consider the economic and other state and local interests involved in data-center siting, including effects related to water and electric consumption. Those issues could affect local governments, utilities, landowners, businesses and residents as communities evaluate proposals for facilities that may require substantial power, water and land.

The July 15 meeting agenda included discussion of model data-center ordinances, public comments and the relationship between data-center growth and the energy sector. Those agenda topics and public testimony describe issues under consideration; they do not represent rules adopted by the Legislature.

Local control is a central concern

Public testimony centered in part on who should control data-center siting decisions and how much authority local governments should have. Speakers also raised questions about land-use planning, infrastructure demands and whether communities can keep pace with the speed of development.

For North Dakota residents, the debate could eventually shape how counties and municipalities review large technology projects, what information developers must provide, and how infrastructure costs or resource demands are handled. The committee has not yet settled those policy questions.

Next meeting is scheduled for Minot

The committee’s next scheduled meeting is Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Minot State University. The meeting notice lists presentations, testimony and discussion about the committee’s artificial-intelligence study, including child protections, cybersecurity and other AI-related policy questions.

That meeting will give lawmakers another opportunity to hear testimony and continue the study. The committee’s eventual recommendations remain unsettled, and any legislation would still have to be introduced and considered during the 2027 legislative session.

Residents and local governments should watch for future testimony, draft policy ideas and any proposed changes to siting authority, utility planning, water use or local ordinances. For now, North Dakota remains in the study phase rather than under a new statewide restriction.

Sources

• KFGO report on the July 15 hearing
• North Dakota Legislative Branch committee page