The legislature’s newly created committee charged with studying artificial intelligence and data centers will hold its first meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Bismarck, with presentations aimed at giving lawmakers a knowledge base ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Purpose and schedule
The committee was formed in late June to prepare legislators for potential policy decisions next winter. Leaders plan to use the initial meeting to survey how other states and the federal government are approaching AI regulation, explain how AI differs from traditional computing, and review how state agencies currently use AI tools.
Presentations on the first day will conclude with a briefing about the relationship between the data center industry and the energy sector. Tony Clark, the former North Dakota public service commissioner and current executive director of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, will present on that topic. Clark is also a committee member.
Who is on the panel
The committee includes 10 lawmakers and two named experts who will participate in briefings. Former North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott, who has expertise in AI, is listed among the participants. The panel is chaired by Rep. Jonathan Warrey, a Republican from Casselton.
- Meeting time: 9 a.m. Wednesday
- Public comment period: 11:15 a.m. (45 minutes scheduled)
- Location: Legislative meeting room in Bismarck
- Livestream: Available through the legislative website
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Committee chair | Rep. Jonathan Warrey (R-Casselton) |
| Experts named | Tony Clark; Mark Hagerott |
| Planned meetings before session | 3–5 meetings (per chair’s prior statements) |
Public access and next steps
The committee’s chair has previously indicated members expect to meet three to five times before lawmakers convene in January. Some of those meetings may include field visits in other parts of the state to examine data center operations and energy infrastructure firsthand.
Links to presentation materials are typically added to the online agenda within 24 hours before a legislative committee meeting, and a livestream will be available through the legislature’s website for those who cannot attend in person. The 45-minute public comment slot beginning at 11:15 a.m. provides an opportunity for residents, industry representatives and other stakeholders to address the panel directly.
This initial session is intended to build a foundation of knowledge on technical differences between AI and traditional computing, review current government use of AI tools, and explore how the growth of data centers intersects with North Dakota’s energy systems — topics lawmakers have identified as priorities as they approach the 2027 session.
Coverage of subsequent committee meetings, including any field trips and follow-up briefings, will track developments as lawmakers consider whether statutory or regulatory changes are warranted.
