Click here for a view of the schedule of hearings for the week of January 27th. New features on the NDACo website make it easy to find the schedule of NDACo bills. The schedule is updated daily – and is available to download and print. The website also includes a list of bills NDACo is tracking. Click here to check it out.

A couple more property tax related bills were heard last week, but many more will be heard this week in House Finance & Tax. We encourage you to listen in on the committee hearings.

There were several commissioners, auditors and sheriffs at the Capitol Thursday testifying on numerous bills impacting elections and law enforcement\jails.

• HB 1193 is $8.4 m for a $6,000 appreciation bonus to state and local peace officers and correctional officers. This proposal is similar to the “Back the Blue” grants approved last session but dedicates the bonus to those who have been in the department/agency for 4 or more years.
• HB 1197 & HB 1213 have been introduced to provide state financial support to counties making jail improvements, expansions or new builds. There are currently five counties looking at jail expansions or new construction. HB 1197 creates a jail improvement fund with $50 million. HB 1213 would provide a low interest loan to counties for jail improvements.

Several election bills were also heard:

• HB 1287 would establish voter registration. County auditors joined the Secretary of State’s Office in opposition.
• SB 2178 required separate ballots for each party for the primary election. This bill was voted on and failed in the Senate Friday.
• HB 1384 sought to require county auditors to be elected. The committee gave the bill a Do Not Pass recommendation.

HB 1380 would give counties the option to put commission meeting minutes on the county website instead of printing in the paper. This is one of the greatest publication costs to counties. The committee gave the bill a Do Not Pass recommendation.

HB 1407 proposes to increase the weight limit allowed on roads. NDACo opposed this bill citing the great needs for roads currently and the costs associated with having roads and bridges re-evaluated for a higher weight limit. The committee gave the bill a Do Not Pass Recommendation.

HB1413 creating a safe food donation program received a DNP from the Ag Committee this afternoon at Rep Bahl’s request.  After further information, he determined the bill wasn’t needed as there are already systems in place and this bill isn’t needed.

The Senate passed SB 2039 that gives property tax exemption to agriculture storage facilities. It has been the position of NDACo to oppose expanding property tax exemptions as they only shift the property taxes to other property taxpayers. The bill now goes to the House.

Don’t forget to register for the upcoming Local Government Capitol Connection Feb. 18-19th at the Bismarck Event Center. NDACo is partnering with other associations representing cities, townships, schools and parks to bring all local political sub leaders together for legislative updates. Click here for more information.