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Legislative Updates
2021 North
Dakota Legislative Updates
NDTOA 67th
Session Watch List Save this link to your browser to follow
the list.
https://legiscan.com/reports/hamnt69z
The colors
indicate NDTOA position on each bill.
Blue = Watch;
Green = Support;
Red = Oppose
67th Session
Week 1
327 bills
have been introduced.
January 8th
- 2 bills of high interest to townships were introduced;
HB 1157
would provide for an emergency excess levy for townships
dealing with a disaster; HB 1170
is the township officer recall bill that we have been
working on with the Secretary of State. Both bills are attached.
I have marked both bills for support.
There are
two bills dealing with liability limits.
HB 1057
is the one developed between NDIRF and State Risk
Management, marking this one for support, political subs
committee is working on adding an escalator clause or some kind
of assurance that the limits will be reviewed occasionally. The
other tort cap bill is SB 2129
this one features larger jumps to the limits. Opposing
2129 in favor of 1057 which has a more graduated increase.
There is a
CAFOS bill again this session, HB
1115 moves state
control of zoning by locals from the Department of Environmental
Quality to the Ag Commissioner's office. This is a 19-page bill
that will need close examination. DEQ was just formed to do
these things; it used to be part of State Health.
Other bills:
SB 2020 UGPTI-NDLTAP Budget
Support funding for our very important partner.
Bill action:
HB 1038
continues the Legacy Fund Earnings Committee Passed committee
14-00
SB 2098 Senate Passed
Streamlines impounding and disposal of abandoned vehicles.
67th Session
Week 2
587 bills
have been introduced.
HB 1038 House Passed
Authorizes continuation of Legacy Fund Earnings Committee
SB 2012 NDDOT Budget
Presented before House appropriations, will now go to Government
Operations Subcommittee.
HCR 3001
House Passed
Resolution to Feds to allow larger trucks & road trains on Fed
Hwy sys.
HB 1101
House Passed
NDDOT may contract to do safety improvements on tribal lands.
HB 1102
House Passed
Raises age limit to do online drivers lic. renewal to 70.
HB 1015
Presented before House Appropriations Government Operation
Division This bill will carry the Governors Bonding
Proposal
HB 1115
House WITHDRAWN
Moves
state control of local regulation of feedlots from
Department of Environmental Quality to Ag Commissioner.(reason
for withdraw: Currently DEQ has Primacy to control air and
water quality, if this bill was passed control would go back to
EPA).
SB 2129 Senate WITHDRAWN
Bill with
higher liability caps (we favor HB 1057)
HB 1016 Adjutant General Budget
Presented to House Appropriations Gov. Ops Division. There are
still open disasters, as far back as 2011, held up because
townships cant come up with the 15% FEMA match. Normal FEMA
payout = FEMA 75%, State 10%, Local 15%. Discussion indicates
the legislature might help with the local share to get these
projects done.
67th Session Week
3
The House reached their deadline for bill
introduction with 500 bills
The Senate has 288 so far with a deadline Jan.
25th at 5 PM
Total to this point 788
HB 1200 House Defeated Levy limit, annual voter
approval required to increase levy more than 2%
Bill has $21M fiscal note.
HB 1325 House Finance and
Tax Tuesday 9:30 AM
Amended to turn
into a study of tax issue for elderly & disabled; will support
amended bill. Committee vote: DO PASS 13-0-1
HB 1291
House Finance and Tax Tuesday 10:00 AM Value set by sale if
below assessed
Committee vote: DO NOT PASS 9-4-1
SB 2020 Senate
Appropriations Wednesday 10:15 AM UGPTI / NDLTAP Budget
HB 1170
House Political Subdivisions Thursday 9:00 AM Recall of
Township Officer. Committee vote: DO PASS 11-3
HB 1224 House
Political Subdivisions Thursday 9:30 AM Township levy for
enforcement, (for sheriff to enforce township ordinances there
would have to be a township / county joint powers agreement,
doubtful counties would enter that agreement) Committee vote: DO
NOT PASS 10-4
HB 1192 House
Political Subdivisions Thursday 10:00 AM Value and levy cap.
Committee vote: DO NOT PASS 11-3
SB 2208 Senate Agriculture
Thursday 10:00 AM Water Resource procedures & operations
Hearing postponed (major amendment in the works?)
HB 1157 House
Political Subdivisions Thursday 10:30 AM Emergency levy for
townships. Amended to add special meetings, changed to refer to
Chapter 58-04, removed or until the emergency conditions have
been resolved, whichever is less. Committee vote: DO PASS
11-3
HB 1072 House (Re-referred to Appropriations) Driver can carry
electronic copy of license on phone
HB 1128 House Defeated Driving
on closed road, removes knowingly
SB 2120 Senate Passed Allows increase to 7 members
on water resource board
HB 1057 House Passed Liability
Caps (Escalator clause added)
Currently: 250,000 individual /
1,000,000 per occurrence
July 1, 2022: 375,000 individual /
1,000,000 per occurrence
July 1, 2023: 406,250 individual /
1,625,000 per occurrence
July 1, 2024: 437,500 individual /
1,750,000 per occurrence
July 1, 2025: 468,750 individual /
1,875,000 per occurrence
July 1, 2026: 500,000 individual /
2,000,000 per occurrence
Liability caps must be re-evaluated by the 2027 legislative
session.
SB 2026 Senate Passed (30-17) Governor may
authorize road train (pilot program) Bill was passed over
committee recommendation: DO NOT PASS 6-0
HB 1132 House bonding proposal Wheels are coming off the
bonding for transportation proposal, all that will remain is
bonding for water projects. House leadership put their foot down.
67th Session Week 4
Last date for bill introduction for both
chambers has passed.
House 501 (1 additional bill has been allowed
by Delayed Bills Committee)
Senate 344
Bills heard in committee:
HB 1025 House Appropriations various
funding. Several judgements against the state, disaster expenses
(FEMA match), and DAPL costs.
HB 1086 House Industry, Business & Labor
Fire & Tornado fund Changes recommended by NDIRF. Committee
vote: DO PASS 13-0-1
HB 1222
House Political Subdivisions Repair of non-conforming
structures (see sec. 3) Township would
have to reimburse owner if repair is not permitted, (pre-damage
value)
HB 1353 House Appropriations Establishes
Dept of Water Resources
HB 1372
House Finance and Taxation Prop Tax Freeze for senior
and disabled
HB 1481 House Transportation road closed
for hazardous conditions (snowstorm) Committee vote: DO NOT PASS
9-5
SB 2040 Senate Appropriations Bonded debt
repayment (minority bill)
SB 2208
Senate Agriculture - Water resource district procedures,
amendment offered, but still not good!
Seems like it is going to
become a study, which we could support.
SB 2216 Senate Agriculture Definition of
the location of feeding operations Committee vote: DO PASS 6-0
SB 2230
Senate Agriculture Use of SIIFund Committee vote DO
PASS 6-0 and Rerefer to Senate Appropriations
SB 2270
Senate Finance and Taxation Senior property tax reduction.
Committee Vote: DO NOT PASS 7-0
Chamber Action:
HB 1054 House Defeated (11-82)
Abandoned well bond requirements
HB 1132 House Withdrawn House
bonding proposal.
HB 1157 House
Passed (73-16-5)
Emergency levy for townships. (Unlimited 5 year).
HB 1170 House
Passed (89-4-1)
Removal of Township Officer
HB 1192 House
Defeated Limit on
values and levy increases without voter approval
HB 1224 House
Defeated (90-3-1)
Levy for sheriff enforcement of zoning regulations
HB 1291 House
Defeated Property selling below assessed t & f
value
HB 1325 House
Passed Study of
property tax breaks for seniors
SB 2034 Senate Passed written
advisory opinions regarding ethics
SB 2324
Senate introduced installation of culverts (stream crossing
standards)
67th Session Week 5
Bills heard in committee:
HB 1037 House Appropriations Investment
of legacy fund earnings ND Investment Board shall invest
earnings, end of biennium, 6% of 5-year fund average.
HB 1275 House Appropriations
Infrastructure bonding minority bill
HB 1349 House Political Subdivisions
Open meetings & records. (Electronic means etc.)
HB 1380
House Appropriations Economic diversification fund,
legacy infrastructure project fund
(NDTOA +, NDTC+)
HB 1425 House Finance and Taxation Legacy
infrastructure revolving loan fund. in-state investment of
funds
HB 1431
House Appropriations infrastructure revolving loan interest
rate. (Pollerts revolving loan version)
(NDTOA +, NDTC+) Mostly a water bill; page 8 line 5 $70M for highway fund
HB 1437 House Agriculture Tiling
application streamlining. No opposition.
HB 1445
House Political Subdivisions Township Equalization
any date in March or
April, with Emergency it would apply this year. My
amendment was accepted. Committee vote: DO PASS 14-0 (AS
AMENDED)
HB 1446
House Finance and Taxation Use Legacy Fund Earnings
for property tax credit for primary residence.
HB 1464
House Finance and Taxation Fuel tax Increases tax
from .23 to .29 also increases electric vehicle registrations;
(fuel tax feeds township mileage formula payments)
(NDTOA+) Committee vote:
DO PASS 9-5
SB 2230
Senate Appropriations Use of the SIIFund. Increases
loan guarantee for value added ag or energy projects to $100M,
it is currently $50M Committee vote: DO PASS 6-0 REREFER to
APPROPRIATIONS
SB 2307 Senate Finance and Taxation
Abandoned oil well fund. It would work against filling prairie
dog bucket. Committee vote: DO NOT PASS 6-1
SB 2326
Senate Finance and Taxation Property tax reduction
for over-assessed property. Committee vote: DO NOT PASS 7-0
HB 1481 House Defeated -
$500 fine for driving on storm closed road.
SB 1086 House Passed clean-up
Fire & Tornado Fund laws, (administered by NDIRF)
SB 2307 Senate Defeated (7-40)
increase fund to abandoned well clean-up
SB 2326 Senate Defeated (1-46)
property sold for less than assessed
67th Session Week
6
Bills heard In
committee:
SB
2012 Senate
Appropriations (subcommittee work) DOT Budget
Amendment
Sec 4: Disaster Relief Fund for distressed townships $500,000
for grants administered by NDDOT
HB 1072 House
Appropriations Electronic drivers license
HB 1020 House
Appropriations (EE div) state water commission budget.
HB 1101 Senate
Transportation DOT contract for work on tribal highways.
HB 1102 Senate
Transportation online drivers license renewals.
SB 2324
Senate
Political Subdivisions Culvert installation Bill was
introduced with an amendment, if county or township has not
installed required culvert within a year, landowner can sue for
damages and legal costs. Seems to eliminate grandfathered
crossings. Seems all townships and counties are going to be hit
because of some bad actors officers that use their positions
for personal goals.
HB 1186 House
Political Subdivisions Ambulance districts
HB 1031 - Senate
Government and Veterans Affairs study of fees by state
agencies
67th Session Week 7
Votes
in the House:
HB 1445 House
Passed 94-0
Township Equalization Dates
any day in April
HB 1446 House
Defeated 24-69
Legacy Earnings to pay down
property tax on primary residence.
HB 1030 House Passed 90-2
Capitol Building improvements
HB 1086 House
Passed 94-0 Fire and
Tornado Fund, (NDIRF bill)
Votes
in the Senate:
SB 2012 Senate
Passed 47-0
NDDOT budget
disaster grant
for townships
SB 2230 Senate Passed 47-0
Use of SIIFund value added Ag and Energy projects
SB 2208 Senate Passed 45-2
Water
Resources Board Procedures Assessment Drains
Amended to be a study NDTOA has a non-voting seat on
committee.
SB 2020 Senate
Passed 47-0
NDSU Ext & UGPTI
budget
Committees for week 7:
HB 1038
Senate Finance and
Taxation Legacy Fund Earnings Committee will continue the
committee.
HB
1057 Senate
Political Subdivisions
Liability limits.
HB 1437
House Agriculture Subsurface water management. Amendment
added for Water Commission concerns maintenance vs construction
for cost share. Allows for Deeping & Widening (because of AG
Opinion). Committee vote: DO PASS 13-0-1
SB 2020
House
Appropriations E. E. subdivision committee work,
UGPTI will keep base budget without
reductions
HCR 3001 Senate
Transportation Pilot study for truck length and weight on
national highways and interstates. (Request for Feds to consider
allowing)
67th Session Week 8
Votes
in the House:
HB 1015 House Passed 80-11
OMB Budget Sec 4 $8.1M for
townships, $5,000
to each non-oil.
HB 1024 House Defeated 46-48
Ethics Commission budget
House reconsidered previous
action and re-referred 1024 to Appropriations
(Constitution requires
the legislature to adequately fund the Ethics Commission)
HB 1024 House Passed 61-33
HB 1025 House Passed 86-7
Funds for judgements against state
HB 1072 House Passed 76-17
Electronic drivers license
HB 1222 House Passed 87-6
Non-conforming buildings amended
removed requirement that township compensate owner for
pre-damage value of property.
HB 1464 House
Passed 62-32 -
Fuel Tax increase
Reduced to 3 cents. Add a study
of the impact of electric vehicles on highway funding.
Votes
in the Senate:
SB 2012 Senate Passed 47-0
NDDOT budget Sec. 4 disaster grant for townships
SB 2230 Senate Passed 47-0
Use of SIIFund
value added Ag and Energy projects
SB 2324 Senate Passed 25-22
Culvert
replacement 1 year to comply
SB
2337 Senate Defeated 5-41
would have increased
engineering thresholds
February 26 Crossover Deadline for bills
67th Session Week 9
March 3- Legislature reconvenes
(Legislative day 38 36) note: 2 days were
saved by crossover
Heard
in Committees:
HB 1157
- Senate Political Subdivisions Township emergency levy.
Amendment pending.
SB 2026
House Transportation Road Trains
HB 1170
Senate
Political Subdivisions Removal of township officer. Committee
vote: DO PASS 7-0
SB
2216 House
Agriculture Location of feeding operations. Committee vote: DO
PASS 14-0
Bills are now being
voted in the second chamber, if they pass now they go to the
Governor.
If they are amended
by the second chamber, they will have to go to conference
committee.
Votes in the Senate:
HB 1101 Senate Passed 47-0
DOT may contract for work on
tribal land
HB 1031 Senate Passed 45-2
Review state agency fees
every 10 years
HB 1057 Senate Passed 46-1
Liability limits of
subdivisions.
HB 1086 Senate Passed 47-0
Fire and tornado fund (NDIRF
bill)
HB 1102 Senate Passed 46-0
Online drivers license
renewals
HB 1038 Senate
Passed 46-0
Continues Legacy Fund
Earnings Committee
HB 1170 Senate Passed 46-1
Removal of
Township Officer
67th Session Week 10
(E) Indicates emergency designation,
will become effective immediately once signed
Action pending:
SB 2026 House Transportation Road Trains
SB 2020
House Appropriations (E.E. Div.) UGPTI
budget
SB 2012
House Appropriations (G.O. Div)- DOT budget
overview
$500,000 for distressed Townships
(have no funds available for FEMA match)
HB
1425 Senate Finance & Taxation in state investment of funds.
SB 2208
House Agriculture Study of assessment drains
SB 2230
House Agriculture Use of SIIFunds to back revolving
loans for value added ag or energy
HB
1030 Senate Gov &Vets Capitol grounds improvements
HB
1072 Senate Transportation Electronic copy of drivers
license
HB 1437
Senate Agriculture Subsurface drainage. Committee
vote: DO PASS 6-0
HB 1445(E)
Senate Political Subdivisions Township equalization,
any date in April, return to auditor by 2nd Monday of May
Committee vote: DO PASS 7-0
Returned Amended:
HB
1031 Senate Passed 45-2(E) (amended) Review state agency
fees every 10 years
SB 2216 House Passed 91-0(E)
(amended) Location of feeding operations.
Final Action:
HB 1038 Signed by Governor
Continues Legacy Fund Earnings Committee
HB
1057 Signed by Governor Liability limits of subdivisions.
HB
1086 Signed by Governor Fire and tornado fund (NDIRF bill)
HB
1101 Signed by Governor DOT may contract for work on
tribal highways
HB
1102 Signed by Governor Online drivers license renewals
HB 1157 Senate Passed 44-3
Township emergency levy
HB 1170 Sent to Governor
Removal of Township Officer, (changes recall)
SB
2068 House Passed 92-0 responsibility for prosecuting the
removal of an officer.
67th Session Week 11
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
Action Pending - Funding bills:
HB 1015
Senate Approps OMB Budget
Sec 4 $5,000 to each non-oil
township
HB 1380 Senate Finance
& Tax Legacy interest proposed amendment would direct an
estimated $58M to Highway Distribution Fund, this amount will
grow along with the legacy fund (townships get 2.7% on miles)
HB 1431 Senate Finance
& Tax Bonding bill ( proposed
amendment gives $10M to non-oil townships on miles & $20M to
townships through NDDOT grants);
$70M for highway fund ($35M for Bridges & $35 for Federal
Match); adds $50M to infrastructure revolving loan fund making
it $225M.
SB 2012
House Appropriations (G.O. Div)- DOT budget
overview
$500,000 for distressed Townships
(have no funds available for FEMA match)
Action pending Other bills:
HB
1016(E)- House Approps- Budget for the adjutant general
HB
1030 Senate Gov &Vets Capitol grounds improvements
HB 1186 Senate
Political Subdivisions Ambulance districts. Committee vote: DO
PASS 7-0
HB
1222 Senate Political Subdivisions Non conforming structures
HB
1353 Senate E & NR Office of State Engineer to be managed by
director.
HB
1425 Senate Finance & Taxation legacy earnings revolving
loan fund. Committee Vote: DO PASS 7-0 refereed Approps.
HB 1437
(amended) Senate Agriculture Subsurface drainage.
Committee vote: DO PASS 6-0 (sec 1 - allows reimbursement for
snagging and clearing and deepening and widening of assessment
drains)
SB 2020
House Appropriations (E.E. Div.)
UGPTI budget
SB
2026 House Transportation Road Trains
SB
2121 House Transportation Seatbelt use. Committee Vote: DO
NOT PASS 8-5-1
SB
2138 House IB&L Remote meetings for nonprofits. Committee
Vote: DO PASS 14-0
SB 2230
House Agriculture Use of SIIFunds to back revolving
loans for value added ag or energy. Committee Vote: DO PASS
(amended) 14-0 refereed Approps.
Returned Amended:
HB
1031 Senate Passed 45-2(E) (amended) Review state agency
fees every 10 years
SB 2216 House Passed 91-0(E)
(amended) Location of feeding operations.
SB 2208 House Passed 88-4 (amended)
Study of assessment drains.
Final Action:
HB 1157 Senate Passed 44-3
Township emergency levy
HB 1170 Sent to Governor
Removal of Township Officer, (changes recall)
HB 1445(E) Senate Passed 47-0
Township equalization, any date in April, return to
auditor by 2nd Monday of May
SB
2068 House Passed 92-0 responsibility for prosecuting the
removal of an officer.
67th Session Week 12
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
Action pending Pending bills:
HB 1015
Senate Approps OMB Budget
Sec 4 $5,000 to each non-oil
township
HB 1380 Senate Finance
& Tax Legacy interest proposed amendment would direct an
estimated $58M to Highway Distribution Fund, this amount will
grow along with the legacy fund (townships get 2.7% on miles)
HB 1431 Senate Finance
& Tax Bonding bill ( proposed
amendment gives $10M to non-oil townships on miles & $20M to
townships through NDDOT grants);
$70M for highway fund ($35M for Bridges & $35 for Federal
Match); adds $50M to infrastructure revolving loan fund making
it $225M.
SB 2012
House Appropriations (G.O. Div)- DOT budget
overview
$500,000 for distressed Townships
(have no funds available for FEMA match)
Action pending Other bills:
HB
1016(E)- House Approps- Budget for the adjutant general
HB
1030 Senate Gov &Vets Capitol grounds improvements Committee
Vote: DO NOT PASS 7-0
HB
1072- Senate Approps- Electronic copy of drivers license.
Committee Vote: DO PASS 14-0
HB 1325- Senate Finance
& Tax- study of property tax relief for retired
HB
1349- Senate Political Subdivisions- Open meetings & records
Committee Vote: DO PASS 7-0 (amended)
HB
1353 Senate E & NR Office of State Engineer to be managed by
director.
HB 1425
Senate Finance & Taxation legacy earnings revolving
loan fund. Committee Vote: DO PASS 7-0 refereed Approps.
Committee Vote: DO PASS 14-0
SB 2020
House Appropriations (E.E. Div.) NDSU -
UGPTI budget
SB
2026 House Transportation Road Trains (House amended
placed on calendar)
SB 2230
House Agriculture Use of SIIFunds to back revolving
loans for value added ag or energy. Committee Vote: DO PASS
(amended) 14-0 refereed Approps.
Returned Amended:
HB
1031 Senate Passed 45-2(E) (amended) Review state agency
fees every 10 years
HB 1437 Senate Passed 46-0
(Senate amended)* Subsurface drainage (*likely to
face challenge in conference)
SB 2216 House Passed 91-0(E) (amended)
Location of feeding operations.
SB 2208 House Passed 88-4
(amended)
Study of assessment drains.
SB
2068 House Passed 92-0 (amended) responsibility for
prosecuting the removal of an officer (sheriff, commissioner,
mayor etc.)
Final Action:
HB 1157 Signed by Governor
Township emergency levy
HB 1170 Signed by Governor
Removal of Township Officer, (changes recall)
HB 1186 Sent to Governor
Ambulance Districts
HB 1445(E) Signed by Governor
Township equalization, any date in April, return to
auditor by 2nd Monday of May
HB
1222 Senate Failed (16-29) Non conforming structures
HB
1464 Senate Failed (16-29)- Electric road use fees and fuel
tax
SB
2121 House Failed (45-48) Seatbelt use.
SB
2138 House Passed (90-4) Remote meetings for nonprofits.
67th Session Week 13
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
CC
Conference Committee
Action pending Funding bills:
HB 1015
Senate Approps OMB Budget
Sec 4 $5,000 to each non-oil
township
Sec 4 slated to be
removed in favor of similar fund in HB 1431
HB 1380 Senate Finance
& Tax Legacy interest proposed amendment would direct an
estimated $58M to Highway Distribution Fund, this amount will
grow along with the legacy fund (townships get 2.7% on miles)
HB 1431 Senate Finance
& Tax Bonding bill ( proposed
amendment gives $10M to non-oil townships on miles & $20M to
townships through NDDOT grants);
$70M for highway fund ($35M for Bridges & $35 for Federal
Match); adds $50M to infrastructure revolving loan fund making
it $225M.
SB 2012
House Appropriations (G.O. Div)- DOT budget
overview Sec 4:
$500,000 for distressed Townships
(have no funds available for FEMA match)
House Amendment to
ADD $250,000 to Sec 4 for Townships
G.O. Division
voted DO PASS, full committee pending at this time.
Action pending Other bills:
HB
1016(E)- House Approps- Budget for the adjutant general
SB 2020
House Appropriations (E.E. Div.) NDSU -
UGPTI budget
SB 2230
House Agriculture Use of SIIFunds to back revolving
loans for value added ag or energy. Committee Vote: DO PASS
(amended $100M) 14-0 refereed Approps.
Returned Amended:
HB 1006 Senate Passed 47-0
(amended)
Budget of the Tax Commissioner
Senate amendment makes machine
sale income exempt for farm home exemption.
Looks like SB 2041 can now be killed
HB
1031(E) Senate Passed 45-2 (amended) Review state agency
fees every 10 years
HB
1072 Senate Passed 45-2 (amended) - Electronic copy of
drivers license.
HB
1349 Senate Passed 47-0 (amended)- Open meetings & records
HB
1353 Senate Passed 36-11 (amended)- Office of State Engineer
to be managed by director. Department of Water Resources.
HB 1437 Senate Passed 46-0
(amended) Subsurface drainage House refuses to
concur C.C. Appointed: Schreiber-Beck, Thomas, Dennis Johnson.
SB
2026 House Passed 66-27 (amended) long vehicle study
SB
2041 House Passed 94-0 (amended) Potato house exemption
bill House amendment makes it a study & makes sale of farm
equipment exempt income for farm home exemption.
SB
2068 House Passed 92-0 (amended) responsibility for
prosecuting the removal of an officer (sheriff, commissioner,
mayor etc.)
SB 2216 House Passed 91-0 (E) (amended)
Location of feeding operations.
Sen Ag Chm Luick recommends that the Senate do concur.
SB 2208 House Passed 88-4
(amended)
Study of assessment drains.
Sen.Ag Chm Luick recommends that Senate not concur
Final Action:
HB
1030 Senate Failed 1-46 Capitol grounds improvements
HB 1186 Signed by Governor
Ambulance Districts
HB 1325 Senate
Failed 7-40 - study of the adequacy of property tax relief
for seniors etc.
HB 1425 Senate Passed 47-0
legacy earnings revolving loan fund.
Can be used for road and bridge
projects with NDDOT approval. (Interest max 2%)
SB 2098 Signed by Governor
abandoned vehicles
SB
2138(E) Signed by Governor Remote meetings for nonprofits.
SB 2324 House Failed 21-72
Culvert bill
67th Session Week 14
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
CC
Conference Committee
Action pending Funding bills:
HB 1015
Senate Approps OMB Budget -
Sec 4 $5,000 to
each non-oil township
=====Possible place to add
back the township funding!
HB 1380
Senate Approps Legacy interest proposed
amendment would direct an estimated $58M to Highway Distribution
Fund, this amount will grow along with the legacy fund
(townships get 2.7% on miles) Committee Vote: DO PASS
HB 1395 Senate Approps.
how to spend covid money
=====Possible
place to add back the township funding!
SB 2012 House Passed 81-10
(amended) - DOT budget -
Sec 4:
$750,000 for distressed Townships (have no funds
available for FEMA match)
=====Possible
place to add back the township funding!
Action pending Other bills:
HB
1016(E)- House Approps- Budget for the adjutant general
SB 2020
House Appropriations (E.E. Div.) NDSU -
UGPTI budget-
Committee vote: DO PASS 17-1-3
SB 2230 House Passed 81-10
(amended) House Agriculture Use of SIIFunds
to back revolving loans for value added ag or energy.
Returned Amended: Committee Chair
recommends DO CONCUR
HB
1031(E) Senate Passed 45-2 (amended) Review state agency fees
every 10 years
HB
1072 Senate Passed 45-2 (amended) - Electronic copy of drivers
license.
HB
1349 Senate Passed 47-0 (amended)- Open meetings & records
HB
1353 Senate Passed 36-11 (amended)- Office of State Engineer to
be managed by director. Department of Water Resources.
SB
2068 House Passed 92-0 (amended) responsibility for prosecuting
the removal of an officer (sheriff, commissioner, mayor etc.)
Returned Amended: Committee Chair recommends DO NOT CONCUR
HB 1006 Senate Passed 47-0
(amended)
Budget of the Tax Commissioner
Senate amendment makes machine
sale income exempt for farm home exemption.
House refuses to concur.
HB 1437 Senate Passed 46-0
(amended)- Subsurface drainage House refuses to
concur
SB
2026 House Passed 66-27 (amended) long vehicle study
Senate refuses to concur
SB
2041 House Passed 94-0 (amended) Potato house exemption bill
House amendment makes it a study & makes sale of farm equipment
exempt income for farm home exemption. Senate refuses to
concur
SB 2208 House Passed (amended)
study of assessment drains- Senate refuses to concur
Final Action:
HB 1431 Senate Passed 46-0
Bonding bill (Township $30M was
removed*); $70M for highway fund ($35M for Bridges
& $35 for Federal Match).
*Restored to the version passed by the House and then passed
by the Senate.
The version passed is the FIRST ENGROSSMENT
21.0899.04000
SB 2216 Sent to
Governor (E) Location of feeding
operations.
67th Session Week 15
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
CC
Conference Committee
Action pending Funding bills:
HB 1015
Senate Approps OMB Budget -
Sec 4 $5,000 to
each non-oil
township
=====THE
PLACE to add back the township funding!
HB 1380
Senate Passed 47-0 Legacy interest
proposed amendment would direct an estimated $64M to Highway
Distribution Fund, this amount will grow along with the legacy
fund (townships get 2.7% on miles)
Action pending Other bills:
HB 1395(E) Senate Approps. how to spend
covid money
=====Possible place to add back the
township funding; (but less likely).
SB 2046
House Gov & Vets PERS bill (public employee retirement system)
Rep. Delzer has brought an amendment to
turn this into a replacement of HB 1380 but without the highway
distribution fund stream. Instead, it gives $60M to income tax
buy-down.
Returned Amended: Committee Chair recommends DO NOT CONCUR
HB 1006
Senate Passed 47-0 (amended)
Budget of the Tax Commissioner
Senate
amendment makes machine sale income exempt for farm home
exemption.
In conference.
HB
1016(E) Senate Passed 45-2 (amended)- Budget for the adjutant
general In conference.
HB 1437 Senate Passed 46-0
(amended)- Subsurface drainage In conference.
SB 2020
House Passed 81-13 (amended)
-NDSU UGPTI budget
- In conference.
Final Action:
HB 1031(E) Sent to
Governor Review state agency fees every 10 years
HB 1072 Sent to
Governor - Electronic copy of drivers license.
HB 1349 Sent to
Governor - Open meetings & records
HB
1353 Sent to Governor - Office of State Engineer to be
managed by director. Department of Water Resources.
HB 1431
Sent to Governor Bonding bill (Restored
to the version passed by the House and then passed by the Senate
-Township $30M was removed*); has $70M for highway
fund ($35M for Bridges & $35 for Federal Match).
The version passed is the FIRST ENGROSSMENT
21.0899.04000
SB 2012(E) Sent to Governor
- DOT budget -Sec 4:
$750,000 for distressed Townships (have no funds
available for FEMA match)
SB 2026 Both Passed as amended
long vehicle study
townships can say no
SB 2041(amended)
Senate accedes 44-3 Potato house exemption bill
House amendment makes it a study &
makes sale of farm equipment exempt income for farm home
exemption.
SB
2068 Signed by Governor responsibility for prosecuting the
removal of an officer (sheriff, commissioner, mayor etc.)
SB 2208 Both Passed as amended
study of assessment drains (irrigation added)
SB 2216 Signed
by Governor (E) Location of feeding
operations.
SB 2230 Sent to Governor
- Use of SIIFunds to back revolving loans for value added ag or
energy.
67th Session Week 16
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
CC
Conference Committee
Action pending Funding bills:
THESE
BILLS NEED YOUR SUPPORT !!!
HB 1015
Senate Passed 43-4 (amended)
OMB Budget - TOWNSHIP FUNDING! Seems to be no longer if but
how much and
how!
HB 1380
Senate Passed 47-0 (amended)
Legacy interest
amendment would direct an estimated $64M to Highway
Distribution Fund, this amount would grow along with the legacy
fund (townships get 2.7% on miles)
Returned Amended: Committee Chair recommends DO NOT CONCUR:
HB 1015 Senate Passed 43-4
(amended) OMB budget in conference
HB 1380 Senate Passed 47-0
(amended) legacy earnings stream in conference
HB 1395(E) Senate Passed 46-0 (amended) how
to spend covid money in conference.
SB
2046(E) House Passed 76-16 (amended) - PERS bill (public
employee retirement system) HogHouse Amendment (total
replacement of bill language) in conference.
Final Action:
HB 1006 Budget of the Tax Commissioner
(amendment to exempt machine sales removed because it is also in
SB 2041) conference settled
HB 1016(E)(amended)-
Budget for the adjutant general conference settled
HB 1031(E) Signed by
Governor Review state agency fees every 10 years
HB 1072 Signed by
Governor - Electronic copy of drivers license.
HB 1349 Signed by
Governor - Open meetings & records
HB
1353 Signed by Governor - Office of State Engineer to be
managed by director. Department of Water Resources.
HB 1431
Signed by Governor
Bonding bill $70M for highway fund ($35M for Bridges &
$35 for Federal Match).
HB 1437 (amended)-
Subsurface drainage conference settled.
SB 2012(E) Signed by Governor
- DOT budget -Sec
4: $750,000 for
distressed Townships (have no funds available for
FEMA match)
SB 2020
(amended) -NDSU
UGPTI budget
conference settled.
SB 2026 Signed by Governor
long vehicle study
townships can say no
SB 2041 Signed by Governor
Potato house exemption bill House amendment makes it a study
& makes sale of farm equipment
exempt income for farm home exemption.
SB 2144 Sent to Governor
Posting / Trespass Bill
SB 2208 Signed by Governor
study of assessment drains (irrigation added)
SB 2230
Signed by Governor - Use of SIIFunds to back
revolving loans for value added ag or energy.
67th Session Finale
(E)
Indicates emergency designation, will become effective
immediately once signed
Final Action:
HB 1006 Signed by Governor Budget of
the Tax Commissioner
HB 1015(E)
Signed by Governor OMB
Budget Township $30M hard cash plus matches
HB 1016(E) Signed by
Governor- Budget for the adjutant general
HB 1395(E) Passed by
both (amended) - how to spend covid money
HB 1437 Signed by Governor-
Subsurface drainage
HB 1380 Signed by Governor-
provides $60M to highway distribution fund.
SB
2020 Signed by Governor
-NDSU UGPTI & NDLAP budget
SB
2046 Failed SenatePERS bill (public employee retirement
system)
SB 2144 Signed by Governor
Posting / Trespass Bill
Legislature adjourned on
April 29, the 76thDay leaving 4 days for
redistricting, overturning any vetoes, and authorizing the use
of any further federal funds that flow into the state.
Wrap Up for the 67th Legislative
Session
By Larry Syverson
Like any other organization
that needed to meet in the midst of the pandemic, the ND
Legislature faced some challenges and had to make some
adjustments to keep everyone safe. Many of the changes made were
a great improvement for citizen access to the legislature,
especially the committee hearings. All hearings were made
available for viewing online and were recorded so they can be
brought up for viewing anytime. A Zoom connection was also used
for those that wished to testify before a committee without
being at the capitol building. If these changes are maintained
for future sessions it will make it much easier for citizens to
watch the proceedings and speak to the legislature without
traveling from the far corners of the state.
There were several bills passed
that affect townships. HB 1445 allows that any township may hold
its equalization meeting any day in April. Previously that
option only applied if the assessor served more than one
township. It further sets the deadline for the assessor to turn
in the assessment book to the county on the 2nd Monday of May, a
change from the 4th Monday in April. This bill passed both the
House and Senate with 100% yes votes.
HB 1157 allows the voters of a
township to set an unlimited emergency levy for up to 5 years to
deal with natural disasters or other emergency conditions. This
has to be voted at the annual or special meeting of the township
and notice of the question must be included with the notice of
the meeting.
Because of problems that came
up when there finally was a recall of a township officer, the
Secretary of State requested our help in getting a change in the
law passed to clear that up. HB 1170 allows that a township
officer may be removed upon a motion at a special meeting called
for the purpose of removing that officer. If the motion to
remove passes, a replacement officer must be elected at that
meeting.
HB 1380 will give 60 million
dollars of Legacy Fund Earnings to the Highway Tax Distribution
fund each July 1st of odd numbered years. That is the fund that
feeds the quarterly payments townships get based on the number
of miles they maintain, townships get 2.7% of those
distributions. A rough estimate is that township payments would
increase about $15~$20 per mile, this will begin in 2023.
Some townships cannot come up
with the local match for FEMA projects; in some cases this has
resulted in much of the township being nearly inaccessible. To
help them out $750,000 was added in a section of SB 2012, the
NDDOT budget. This will be grants through the NDDOT, they have
sent out information to all township clerks on how to apply for
this grant. The deadline they had for applying was June 18th. If
you didnt get the information, either your clerk did not share
it with you or we havent gotten the clerks correct address.
There is further funding for
townships in HB 1015, the OMB budget. There are two provisions
for townships in non-oil counties. In section 4: In August of
2021 the State Treasurer will distribute 10 million dollars to
those townships, which is approximately $6,000 each. Also the
Treasurer will distribute 10 million dollars to those townships
based on the number of miles each maintain, that will be about
$214 per mile.
There are other provisions for
all townships, in section 5 there is an assignment of 20 million
dollars of federal funds to township road and bridge projects
through the NDDOT. Section 13 calls for a transfer of general
funds to the highway fund with at least 10 million dollars going
to matching federal funds for township road and bridge projects.
Several of these provisions run
the funds though NDDOT so that hopefully they can find federal
dollars to match them with, getting much more bang for the North
Dakota bucks. One very important provision comes in section 27,
it allows the NDDOT to enter into cooperative agreements with,
and the ability to expend federal highway funds with, any
transferee of the highway distribution fund; and townships are
part of that.
The new ability for the NDDOT
to work with townships is far more important than any of the
one-time funds we are receiving. We are grateful to Director
Bill Panos for his willingness to work with ND townships!
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