A fertilized human egg has the same rights as a human being under a bill passed by House lawmakers on Tuesday, potentially setting the legal framework for a ban on abortion in North Dakota.

It was just one of many bills acted on by the North Dakota Legislature on Tuesday.

Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot, sponsored the anti-abortion legislation, which passed 51-41, arguing that life begins at the moment of conception. The bill now moves on to the Senate for consideration.

Daniel Woodward of the North Dakota Life League, said if the bill ultimately becomes law it would make it easier to challenge the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade.

The bill also says the Legislature will appoint one of its members to defend the law if it faces any legal challenge.

Rep. Kari Conrad, D-Minot, said the legislation could cost the state millions in potential legal fees, adding it could create scenarios where a doctor could be committing murder by removing a fertilized egg even if it posed a threat to the woman.

The Blago effect

A bill that would have created a commission to review appointees to the U.S. Senate made by the governor was defeated, 48-43.

The bill was introduced in light of the removal of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was caught allegedly trying to sell President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat.

"I think Illinois politics are very different from North Dakota politics and we don't need this extra commission in place," Rep. Lonny Winrich, D-Grand Forks, said.

The commission, which would have consisted of the House and Senate leaders and the state Supreme Court chief justice, would have the power to veto the governor's choice to fill a vacated Senate seat.

SCHIP

The House also approved a measure, 90-2, to increase the state Children's Health Insurance Program eligibility from 150 percent of the poverty line to 160 percent.

The bill, HB1478, originally would have increased the eligibility for SCHIP to 200 percent of the poverty line, which would have covered a family of four earning $42,400 a year. The measure now moves onto the Senate.

Other measures acted on include:

The Senate passed SB2427, 42-4, that would give homeowners a tax credit for installing geothermal heating units in their home.

Senate lawmakers also approved a measure that would set up a study to test feasibility of a glass recycling plant in North Dakota.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or at brian.duggan@;bismarcktribune.com.)