Fargo state Rep. Jim Kasper will attend special session remotely

A Fargo state lawmaker recovering from a stroke will participate remotely in the special legislative session next week, with his ability to serve in the 2027 regular session still to be determined.

Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, was hospitalized in April 2025 in the closing weeks of the regular legislative session. 

His in-patient physical therapy continues at a rehabilitation center in the Fargo area, Kasper said in an interview Monday.

“I’m continuing to move forward,” Kasper said.

He added he’s been getting stronger and has begun walking short distances with the help of a walker or cane. He said he still needs a wheelchair when not in physical therapy.

“I can’t get out of here yet, so I’m going to try remote,” he said. “I’m not fully functional by myself yet, but it’s getting closer.”

Kasper is not assigned to any committees for the upcoming special session, but he will be able to vote remotely during House floor sessions. He said he wasn’t prepared to make any statements on the issues that will be addressed by state lawmakers during the special session.

Kasper also participated remotely in the January 2026 special session. He is not serving on any interim committees that have been meeting since last year. 

Fargo lawmaker hospitalized, not expected to return for session

Speaker of the House Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, said Kasper was not assigned to serve on an interim committee because his initial physical condition wouldn’t have allowed him to participate in a “reasonable” way.

Weisz added that Kasper would have only been able to participate remotely during the interim, which would have put an additional burden on Legislative Council’s technology staff. Interim committees typically meet in person, with members attending remotely on occasion. 

Kasper said his goal is to attend the 2027 regular session in person, but he was not ready to confirm that he will be in Bismarck when the session kicks off in January.

If Kasper is unable to attend the regular session in person, Weisz said he would encourage him to resign.

“It would be pretty tough for him to truly represent his constituency anymore then,” Weisz said. 

He added he hopes Kasper does return in January. Weisz, who spoke to Kasper this week, said Kasper’s condition has “certainly improved.”

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Remote participation can slow down the process for the Legislature if members are not in attendance to hear amendments that come up on the floor or if technical issues occur, Weisz said.

Legislative leaders also approved remote participation for Rep. Vicky Steiner, R-Dickinson, who will be on a long-planned vacation. Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Grand Forks, will participate remotely on the first day due to a conflict, but will be in person for the remainder of the session.

“I’ve never been a fan of remote participation, but I just want to make sure it stays limited for good, legitimate reasons because I would hate to see down the road our Legislature ever becoming a remote Legislature,” Weisz said.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at [email protected].