Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, offered similar thoughts on the designated family time associated with Sunday closing.

"That's what it used to be in America: the values that we share," said Dever, expressing an interest for a "family-friendly culture."

Sen. Kristin Roers, R-Fargo, said the bill would allow, not force businesses to be open Sunday morning, and may appeal to people moving to North Dakota.

"I actually think that repealing the blue laws is something that will work as a benefit to our state, not a detriment," Roers said.

Lee said the bill would allow brick-and-mortar stores to compete with online sales.

Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said the state's blue law is outmoded from its roots in 16th century English common law, given the changing times and myriad items available for sale and exempt from the blue law.

"In its time, Sunday blue laws probably made a lot of sense, and I believe mirrored public opinion, but its time has passed," Holmberg said near the end of 28 minutes of floor debate.

Rep. Shannon Roers Jones, R-Fargo, introduced House Bill 1097 in January, which passed the House 56-35. She credited "a lot of work" in reaching out to senators to pass the bill.