North Dakota Governor Approves Pipeline Legislation

North Dakota stiffens penalties for protests of pipeline construction projects.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has signed four bills spurred by confrontations between Dakota Access pipeline protesters and law enforcement. The bills all take effect immediately.

One measure makes it a misdemeanor for someone to wear a mask or hood while committing a crime. Another bill increases the penalties for rioting while another allows officers to issue a citation with a $250 fine for trespassing, as opposed to filing criminal charges.

The fourth new law expands the attorney general’s authority to appoint outside law enforcement officers to assist North Dakota agencies.