North Dakota Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Prompted by Holmberg Case
Bismarck, ND – In response to the recent conviction of former state Senator Ray Holmberg on charges related to child sex tourism, a North Dakota legislative committee has advanced a resolution aimed at overhauling the state’s travel policies for lawmakers.
Holmberg, who served Grand Forks in the Senate for over four decades, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to traveling to Prague with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors. Investigations revealed that between 2011 and 2021, Holmberg took 14 trips to Prague, aligning some with cultural exchange programs funded by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and organized by the North Dakota School Boards Association. Travel records also suggested that some of his flights were paid for with state funds. (northdakotamonitor.com)
House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, emphasized the need for reform, stating, "What happened should never happen again." He noted that while the Legislative Management chair approves travel requests, the current system allows for self-approval, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. Lefor has proposed amending procedures to prevent future abuses. (northdakotamonitor.com)
The Ethics Commission is also considering adopting new travel and financial disclosure rules to create a centralized online platform for public officials’ travel records. Executive Director Rebecca Binstock mentioned that discussions are in early stages, with official draft language yet to be considered. Before any new rules can be adopted, the board would have to notify the public of a comment period and host a public hearing on the proposed changes. (northdakotamonitor.com)
Holmberg’s sentencing date has not yet been set. The legislative committee’s resolution marks a significant step toward ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the state’s travel policies for lawmakers.
North Dakota Lawmakers Review Travel Policies Amid Holmberg Case:
- Holmberg case prompts North Dakota lawmakers to review travel policies • North Dakota Monitor
- Teaching board revokes license for Holmberg after guilty plea to sex charge • North Dakota Monitor
- Lawmaker convicted of child sex crime had history of exploiting vulnerable boys, prosecutor alleges • North Dakota Monitor
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