KVRR Local News
May 21, 2021
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Doug Burgum had the authority to close businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Somerset Court LLC and salon operator Kari Riggin in April sued Burgum and then-State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte in an effort to allow the assisted living facility’s in-house hair salon to continue providing services to residents.
They asserted that Burgum’s orders went beyond his authority and denied plaintiffs their constitutional right to earn a living.
Burgum in late March issued executive orders temporarily restricting or closing some businesses, including hair salons, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order expired in early May.
The North Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Doug Burgum was within his authority when he issued a March 2020 COVID-19 executive order that a Minot woman claimed violated