tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50646376185783543022024-03-04T23:25:46.536-08:00NDACo Legislative BlogRegular updates related to state legislation affecting North Dakota counties.ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-83412341836970912682022-12-08T14:13:00.001-08:002022-12-08T14:24:52.182-08:00The NDACo Legislative Blog has moved<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStLfYnsyrhVHC4e_hTxKLsSn9TCeAf-ZY6zRPaLqlQSHcIsB3qjZFVIGKkYsSEjCwGi4NbqCRsxE1T41uLgLFZb1SZlHiCdrC94XNXIqRd6t-anOnC3cVr6N8BwiP2Pbl5NdsqVFq1DXjPuwuqbJ0GeSDW3JkRJxWKsNSEcKB8AgrXdj6mkg7qNpg/s1001/blog%20screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1001" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStLfYnsyrhVHC4e_hTxKLsSn9TCeAf-ZY6zRPaLqlQSHcIsB3qjZFVIGKkYsSEjCwGi4NbqCRsxE1T41uLgLFZb1SZlHiCdrC94XNXIqRd6t-anOnC3cVr6N8BwiP2Pbl5NdsqVFq1DXjPuwuqbJ0GeSDW3JkRJxWKsNSEcKB8AgrXdj6mkg7qNpg/s320/blog%20screenshot.png" width="320" /></a></div>The NDACo Legislative Blog has moved... Visit us at <a href="http://ndcounties.blog">ndcounties.blog</a><p></p><p>Unfortunately if you were signed up to receive updates before, you will need to visit the new site and subscribe again. </p><p>NDACo will be posting information about legislation that affects counties. At the bottom of the blog, there's a space for you to enter your email so you can get notified when we publish new content. </p>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-58040959106647784312022-10-25T07:59:00.002-07:002022-10-25T07:59:29.349-07:00NDACo Members Approve Resolutions for 2022<p>Members of both the North Dakota Association of Counties Association and the North Dakota County Commissioners Association approved resolutions at the recent NDACo Annual Conference. These resolutions drive policy direction to NDACo's legislative team for the upcoming Legislative Session. </p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022 RESOLUTIONS BY</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">THE NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND THE
NORTH DAKOTA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-01. Shelter
Care Support</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. Research
strongly supports treating youth who are considered “Children in Need of
Services” (i.e., runaways or ungovernable behavior) but have not otherwise
committed a crime with a different approach than the traditional arrest and
detention. Such youths should be provided a safe shelter but not co-housed with
youth who have committed potentially serious crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, such separation causes additional
expenses to counties and other local governments. This Association supports
additional State funding to ensure shelter care is fully funded on a
reimbursable basis for counties from the time such youth is placed in the
shelter care facility. <b>New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-02. Support
for and Study of Clerk of Courts Structure.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
The North Dakota Association of Counties recognizes the importance of the Clerk
of Court offices throughout the State of North Dakota as a point of public
access to the Court system. This system has been in place since approved by the
1999 North Dakota Legislature. NDACo remains committed to keeping the existing
contract Clerk of Courts offices in the employ of the counties under current law,
as per Chapter 27-05.2 of the North Dakota Century Code. NDACo believes that
all existing Clerk of Court offices are a valuable resource to the general
public in the counties in which they serve. The transition of contract county
offices to State offices, without further study, could potentially limit public
access to the court system and create a substantial financial impact to the
State and county. The Association supports the current clerk structure and
request that the Legislature authorize an interim study of the Clerks of Court
to receive full input and effect that would be occasioned by changes made to existing
law. <b>New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2022-03.
Public Health Funding.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> A robust public health system is imperative to all North Dakota
citizens. The recent pandemic highlights the personal sacrifices those in the
public health sector are willing to undertake to keep citizen’s safe. However,
public health is increasingly called on to perform many services which stretch
resources thin. Additionally, based on the historical nature of how health
units were created and the potential disparity in political subdivision
funding, health services are subjected to funding uncertainties. This
Association supports identifying public health core services and requests the
legislature study the delivery of public health services to ensure the overall
operation and funding mechanisms are in place to carry out this important
mission. <b>New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-04. Support
for North Dakota North Dakota’s Coal Industry.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Coal-based power plants generate more than 60
percent of the electricity consumed in the state, and export additional power
throughout the upper Midwest. This baseload capacity is vitally important to
maintaining the reliability of the electric grid and is crucially important for
the State’s residences and industries. The association supports legal,
regulatory and financial solutions that will for all energy resources maintain
baseload generation assets and integrity of the electrical grid. <b>New
Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-05. Law
Enforcement training fund.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Law
Enforcement is an essential function of Government. Well trained and educated officers
are critically important for the safety and well-being of all North Dakota
citizens. Political subdivisions bear the expenses for students to attend the
Law Enforcement Training Academy which upon successful completion of their
training allows them to perform law enforcement functions in their communities.
However, many officers after short periods of time move onto larger law
enforcement agencies which places an undue burden on the smaller jurisdictions to
continuously pay for training. This association supports the creation of a
State funded law enforcement training academy fund to relieve counties from
this fiscal burden. <b>New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022‐06. Human
Service Zone Team Member Equity Compensation. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">North Dakota Counties recognize that human
service zone team members are county employees yet are subject to state
appropriations for operational costs including salary and host-county offered
benefits. In addition, North Dakota Counties recognize the Department of Health
& Human Services and the Legislature’s outstanding commitment to social
services redesign and the development of human service zones. Understandably,
such significant changes require further adjustments over time as additional
information becomes available. For efficient and effective administration,
total compensation equity across the entire human service delivery system must
be improved. This association supports legislative efforts and the accompanying
funding to provide equity across all human service zones.<b> New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-07. NDSU
Extension Service Support.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NDSU Extension is recognized as providing
valuable services for the citizens throughout North Dakota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Extension funding model represents a
valuable partnership between the State and Counties with the State supporting
agent’s salaries while the county supports staffing and other direct and
indirect costs. However, over the years the State’s salary contribution for
agents has not kept pace with other costs creating inequalities. This
Association supports increased State contributions for Extension Agents. <b>Update
of Resolution 2018-10</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-08.
Centrally Assessed Property Valuation.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counties are required to issue estimated tax
notices by August 31st which include preliminary budget data for all political
subdivisions. Certain properties are not assessed at the local level and
require the State Tax department to work with those property owners to provide
the actual value to the county. Counties, and all other taxing entities, depend
on the accuracy of centrally assessed properties when computing their budgets.
Therefore, it is paramount this information is complete and reported to
counties by July 1<sup>st</sup>. This Association urges the strengthening of
the valuation process for centrally assessed properties so that accurate values
are established and delivered to counties in a user-friendly format utilizing
taxing district information prior to preliminary budgets being set in order to
achieve the greatest level of taxpayer fairness. <b>Update of Resolution 2018-09</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-09.
Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN)</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
As the SIRN project continues its buildout across the state of North Dakota
local jurisdictions are realizing an increased cost for the equipment required.
Currently, the state provides a $1500 cost reimbursement for radios. The cost
of radios in greater than first estimated in addition law enforcement are
required to utilize radios with encryption these factors have increased the
financial commitment for local government. Currently less than 25% of the
radios have been purchased by local government. This Association recognizes the
need for all emergency responding agencies to utilize the equipment for the
vitality of this project. Therefore, this Association encourages additional State
support for radio units that have previously been purchased for the program as
well as for future radio purchases. Additionally, past experiences with
upgraded radio projects have created gaps in coverage specifically in rural
areas. This Association requests at least a 90% coverage guarantee in all
counties before such a system can be fully implemented. <b>Update of Resolution
2020-10</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-10.
Behavioral Health.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Lack of
behavioral health and chemical dependency treatment programs or access to
transportation to existing programs places a significant burden on county
services. Behavioral Health services need to be available in all areas of this
State including rural areas outside of the population centers. County jails
should not be de facto behavioral health service providers. This Association
supports increased State funding for fair and competitive compensation for
State behavioral health professionals, for the delivery of behavioral health services
for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections, and to
preapproved private behavioral health providers to ensure those seeking help or
those on probation/parole have access to substance abuse and mental health
services. <b>Update of Resolution 2019-05<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-11. Support
for NDSU Extension Parenting Classes.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
District Courts have recognized the value of ordering certain individuals to
receive parenting classes which NDSU extension is able to provide. However, counties
are in many instances responsible for offsetting much of this cost. This
Association supports additional State funds to support Court ordered NDSU
Extension parenting classes.71 <b>New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2022-12. Gross
Production Tax Road Mill Requirement.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
North Dakota’s oil and gas resources are not subjected to property tax and are
instead subjected to tax at the State Level. Historically, those taxes are
shared with the local political subdivisions through the Gross Production Tax
formula under NDCC 57-51-15. However, counties are required to levy 10 road
mills in order to receive their share of the revenue regardless of whether such
funds are needed. This Association supports the elimination or reduction of the
GPT road mill levy requirement. <b>New Resolution</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-3026177156470680282022-01-18T11:58:00.013-08:002022-01-18T12:03:31.075-08:00Legislative Update - Special Session Summary and Interim Committees<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw-kV9RL-ON2lOPyExh7hH5K3PE6uEczorsL_n2KZ6MJB4uh-9-WMM-frxH9TbZGX8RBOp4bkSuz4hUJ2cEoH_2nD2RnugtOpVo-k2eD-wxunfIWLLGY3WOp-VkYZmsQzKg_SGHQ0gGM6rkqUBCaeWKe5Kb_1LqPWcS_Q8eYsj7kCrbMHfu4DRg-Gg=s940" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw-kV9RL-ON2lOPyExh7hH5K3PE6uEczorsL_n2KZ6MJB4uh-9-WMM-frxH9TbZGX8RBOp4bkSuz4hUJ2cEoH_2nD2RnugtOpVo-k2eD-wxunfIWLLGY3WOp-VkYZmsQzKg_SGHQ0gGM6rkqUBCaeWKe5Kb_1LqPWcS_Q8eYsj7kCrbMHfu4DRg-Gg=s320" width="320" /></a></div></b></h2><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Special Session Review</span></b></h1><i>Highlights from the 5-day Special Session November 8-12 includes: </i><br /><br /><b> Redistricting</b> – 47 Legislative Districts (16,500 residents)<div>New Map here: <a href="https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/district-maps/2023-2032/finalmaphb1504.pdf">https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/district-maps/2023-2032/finalmaphb1504.pdf</a><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 new districts – Williams (23) McKenzie, Dunn (26) & Fargo (10)</li><li>Subdistricts – 2 Representatives, one from each subdistrict. 1 Senator from combined district. </li><ul><li>4A & 4B (Fort Berthold Reservation) </li><li>9A & 9B (Turtle Mountain Reservation)</li></ul><li>Five even numbered districts have 25% or more new voters = election in 2022 (Districts 8,20,28,36& 44)</li><li>All odd numbered districts up in 2022</li></ul><b>Infrastructure Funding (state ARPA funds) <br /></b><br /> <b>$100 million to counties for road and bridge construction</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>$80 million</b> distributed directly to counties in January based on Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) needs study formula.</li><ul><li>Cap of $3 million (Six counties capped: Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, McKenzie, Ward & Williams)</li></ul><li>Cap results in $4.65 million being combined with additional <b>$20 million</b> for county bridge projects to be distributed by NDDOT through application process.</li><li> $200 million to NDDOT, as well as $135 million in federal fund authorization.</li><li>$17 million to Townships (half will go out by road miles, half shared equally in non-oil counties.</li></ul><b>Other ARPA funding priorities that matter to counties</b><br /><i>Started with $9 Billion in requests for $1.1 Billion in ARPA fund<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$150 million natural gas pipeline from western to eastern ND</li><li>$75 million for water projects</li><li>$3 million remodel of Law Enforcement Training Academy</li><li>$4.6 million SIRN radios for Highway Patrol & DOCR</li></ul></i><b>COVID-19 Vaccination</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>No Government entity can require proof of vaccination or antibodies or inquire about an individual’s recovery status for access to property, funds or services.</li><li>The government may not require a private business to obtain documentation certifying individual vaccination status, antibodies or recovery status.</li><li>Businesses are prohibited from requesting covid-19 status prior to patrons entering.</li><li>Department of corrections, correctional facilities, the state hospital, healthcare providers and local public health units may ask vaccination status to provide appropriate measures are taken for staff and clients.</li><li>There are multiple exemptions available for employees who are required to be vaccinated.</li></ul><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">NDACo 2021-22 Interim Legislative Activities</span></b></h1><div><i>The following summarizes the key studies that may ultimately affect counties. </i><br /><br /><b>Acute Psychiatric Treatment (new committee)</b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Study the acute psychiatric hospitalization, residential treatment and support needs of individuals with mental health illness.</li><ul><li>Study to include: reviewing options for long-term plan or psychiatric hospitalization; options to replace State Hospital with other facilities; the future use of facilities at the State Hospital campus; recommendation for new State Hospital.</li></ul><li>Study the behavioral health needs of incarcerated adults.</li><ul><li>Input will be sought from law enforcement & local officials.</li></ul><li>Study the implementation of expanded behavioral health services.</li><li>Capacity & utilization of State Hospital</li><li>Behavioral health bed management system</li></ul><b>Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee</b><br />Report of interest: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>ND Department of Transportation to report on the<b> Road Train Pilot Program </b></li><ul><li>Before 8/1/22 DOT shall report findings and recommendations of its study on pilot projects on the feasibility and impact of long combination vehicle operations & legislative recommendations for implementation </li><li><b>UPDATE</b>: DOT issued request for application in long combination vehicle pilot study from the transportation industry. No applications were submitted, therefore, DOT will not conduct study. </li></ul></ul></div><div><b>Budget Section</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Authorization of use of federal funds</li><li>Reports of interest:</li><ul><li>DOCR report on prison population management plan and inmate admissions; including number not admitted after sentencing </li><li>DOT report on fund transferred from general fund to highway fund</li></ul></ul></div><div><b>Retirement Committee</b> (new committee)</div><div>Develop a plan for new hires under the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to participate in the defined contribution plan and to close the define3d benefit plan to new employees effective 1/1/2024. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Use of third-party contractor to assist in study </li><li>Committee approved RFP draft for consultant </li><li>Input from political subdivisions on impact </li><li>Received information in October from several states that have transitioned from defined benefit to a defined contribution retirement plan</li><li><a href="https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/resource/committee-memorandum/23.9091.01000.pdf">Legislative Council Summary</a></li></ul><b>Employee Benefits Programs Committee </b><br />Review legislative measures & proposals affecting public employees retirement programs (PERS) and health and retiree health plans. <br /><br /><b>Government Finance Committee</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Study of state agency fees. </li><li>Study the recruitment, retention, turnover and training of law enforcement and correctional officers employed by state and political subdivisions. </li><li>County officials including Sheriffs & Jail Administrators will be involved. </li><li>Review state budget information </li><li>BND to report on status of infrastructure revolving loan fund, the legacy infrastructure loan fund and the water infrastructure revolving loan fund.</li></ul><b>Health Care Committee</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Study solutions to barriers to access and utilize telehealth services in the state. </li><li>Study the feasibility & desirability of implementing a community health worker program. </li><li>Study prescription drug pricing and importation. </li><li>Sheriffs weighed in on importation concerns during legislative session. </li></ul><br /><b>Human Services Committee </b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Study issues related to the Department of Human Services (DHS) and human service zones employee compensation. </li><li>Reports of interest: </li><ul><li>Report from DHS on process to allow a human service zone to opt in to state employment. </li><li>Report from DHS on process to calculate payment for indirect costs. </li><li>Report on status of merger of state Department of Health into DHS. </li></ul></ul><br /><b>Information Technology Committee <br /></b></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Study costs incurred by the Information Technology Department (ITD) to deliver core technology services & cybersecurity services to state agencies & political subdivisions.</li><li>Reports on:</li><ul><li>Coordination of services with political subdivisions </li><li>Statewide Longitudinal Data System Committee recommendations related to data sharing governance </li><li>Emergency Services Communications Coordinating Committee (ESC3) regarding use of the assessed communications services fee revenue along with recommendations for operating standards for emergency services communications (dispatchers).</li></ul></ul><div><b>Judiciary Committee</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Study the juvenile justice process and collaborate with the Commission on Juvenile Justice. </li><li>Study the necessity of licensing shelter care programs for youth and ability for youth to access temporary shelter. </li><li>Study factors contributing to nation’s firearm and ammunition shortage and impact.</li><li>Reports of interest: </li><ul><li>Annual report from Attorney General summarizing civilly forfeited property. </li><li>Medical marijuana program </li><li>Indigent defense contract system and public defenders </li><li>Expected costs to provide legal counsel and services to juveniles</li></ul></ul></div><div><b>Legacy & Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board</b><br />Develop recommendations for the investment of funds in the legacy fund and the budget stabilization fund to present to the State Investment Board. <br /><br /><b>Legacy Fund Earnings Committee</b><br />Study potential uses of legacy fund earnings <br /><br /></div><div><b>Legislative Audit & Fiscal Review Committee</b><br />Determine when the State Auditor is to perform audits of political subdivisions <br />Order the State Auditor to audit or review the accounts of any political subdivision <br /><br /><b>Natural Resources Committee</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Continue study of access to public & private lands for hunting, trapping, fishing & related issues. </li><li>Study must include evaluating electronic land access database and application & expansion of database and application to all counties. </li><ul><li>Jason Horning, NDACo - Next Generation 9-1-1 Program Manager, serves on this committee as a citizen member.</li></ul></ul><b>Redistricting Committee <br /></b>Committee developed a legislative redistricting plan to be implemented for use in 2022 primary election. </div><div><br /><b>Taxation Committee</b><br />Report from Tax Commissioner of property tax increases in state.<br /><br /><b>Water Drainage Committee</b><br />Study and propose legislative changes to eliminate redundancy and conflicts in state code and to provide for uniform assessment procedures for all water projects; study and recommend procedures to appeal water resource board decisions; improve water resource board accountability. <br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Committee includes participation from: </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Jeff Frith, Ramsey County Commissioner </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sharon Lipsh, Former Walsh County Highway Supt. </div></blockquote><div><br /><b>Water Topics Overview Committee</b><br />Report of interest: Onsite Wastewater Recycling Technical Committee to submit report on the status of the statewide technical guide and the committee’s recommendations.</div></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-36388414066384719112021-05-20T10:23:00.000-07:002021-05-20T10:23:50.323-07:00Legislative Management Prioritizes Studies for Interim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s320/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a></div>The Legislative Management Committee met Wednesday to consider and prioritize the legislative studies to be addressed this interim. The Legislature passed 13 studies that are “required” by the language to be included in the study process. Additionally, they passed 72 “optional” studies that they were to “consider studying.” From this group, the Committee ultimately prioritized those to actually be studied. With the studies prioritized, the interim committees will now be formed around similar topics, and we will start to see committee assignments, and ultimately, committee meeting dates.<div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /><div><b>In the Required category, there are several of county interest, including: </b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>HB1209, to develop a plan for new hires under the NDPERS retirement system to participate in a defined contribution plan and to close the defined benefit plan. </li><li>HB1380, to study potential uses of the legacy fund earnings, including tax relief, research, economic growth, and workforce development. </li><li>HB1397, to develop a legislative redistricting plan (This will of course impact county election precinct development).</li><li>SB2036, to continue the previous interim study of access to public and private lands for hunting, trapping, fishing, and related issues. </li><li>SB2086, to study issues related to DHS and human service zone employee compensation.</li><li>HB1012, in depth study related to mental health and the State Hospital future. </li></ul><b><br /></b><div><b>Of the “optional” studies, the following “county related” studies were selected:</b><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>HB1036, to study the juvenile justice process.</li><li>SB2161, to study expanded behavioral health services, capacity and utilization of the State Hospital and a behavioral health bed management system. </li><li>HB1470, to study behavioral health needs of incarcerated adults. </li><li>HB1494, to study the recruitment, retention, turnover, and training of law enforcement and correctional officers.</li><li>SB2021, to study the costs incurred by NDIT to deliver core technology and cybersecurity services to state agencies and political subdivisions.</li><li>SB2208, to study North Dakota water laws.</li><li>HCR3014, to study solutions to access and utilization of telehealth services. </li><li>HCR3015, to study the implementation of a community health worker certification program.</li></ul><div>The full list of studies discussed can be viewed here: <a href="https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/resource/67-2021/study-directives/study-directives-approved-lm-2021-20-interim.pdf" target="_blank">Legislative Management Interim Studies</a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></p>
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</ul></div></div></div></div></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-35676578003190484942021-04-29T21:38:00.000-07:002021-04-29T21:38:15.379-07:00NDACo Legislative Update: Legislature Adjourns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mXUTDMgCBVY9xQYl6B0189fl3H1K6xqNWbIkZ7vszaVY9YmSaqmx79ioWYzCroXHxRf37InTMabvuE9aLqpFldUwo_rPl1SFAyDI_jFVJQQ5LgQCBxRD4-_X59A6Ht9lOliEC8rhqFI/s1394/IMG_5105%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mXUTDMgCBVY9xQYl6B0189fl3H1K6xqNWbIkZ7vszaVY9YmSaqmx79ioWYzCroXHxRf37InTMabvuE9aLqpFldUwo_rPl1SFAyDI_jFVJQQ5LgQCBxRD4-_X59A6Ht9lOliEC8rhqFI/s320/IMG_5105%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The North Dakota Legislative Session wrapped up it's work late Thursday night/early Friday morning on Day 76. Conference committees have been meeting all week, working to reach agreements on Appropriations bills. The Legislature gave final action on a few bills summarized below. <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The House and Senate both passed <b>HB 1380</b>, otherwise referred to as the Streams Bill, which included a $60 million stream for the highway distribution fund intended to begin next biennium.</li><li>The Senate killed <b>SB2046 </b>which sought to close the NDPERS Defined Benefit (DB) plan for new State Employees at the end of the biennium. The proposal separated the State and local government plans and did not force the closure of the DB plan for political subdivisions. It also included a a funded consultant’s study during the interim will identify the implications of this two both “halves” of the plan. The Senate defeated the bill, saying the issue should be studied and lawmakers should review the findings prior to making the decision to close the DB plan.</li><li>The final bill for reconciliation was the OMB Budget (<b>HB 1015</b>) which includes $20 million in township road support and an additional $100 million to the NDDOT for grants to road and bridge projects at all levels.</li><li>Lawmakers also gave final approval on <b>HB 1253</b>, a major election reform bill. The conference committee focused primarily on shortening the deadlines for post-election work. The biggest change is moving the county canvassing board meeting to 13 days after Election Day. </li></ul>House Majority Leader Chet Pollert, commented at the conclusion that this was the toughest session he's been part of but proud of the work and the achievements of the 67th Legislative Session. </div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-4696470419652549842021-04-23T09:09:00.000-07:002021-04-23T09:09:13.861-07:00NDACo Legislative Update: April 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8BZrb7MJr42A3UL0KOOavPu9aoFaROaPu1ninTO_YmRCuUq3hXyAJWNLDcvmlltH7FECGXD4g4x3lZP8iCP3mOZkVf9jaqbrac6jwBRSrpIgfft8qAlUz8X71vNxCmFTMUnYUo9aXXo/s2048/House+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8BZrb7MJr42A3UL0KOOavPu9aoFaROaPu1ninTO_YmRCuUq3hXyAJWNLDcvmlltH7FECGXD4g4x3lZP8iCP3mOZkVf9jaqbrac6jwBRSrpIgfft8qAlUz8X71vNxCmFTMUnYUo9aXXo/s320/House+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Legislators did not reach adjournment this week as they hoped. The disagreements are now fewer, but possibly more contentious. Also, as the news media has reported, the Governor vetoed three bills, which then requires both chambers to debate and vote all over again – all of which involves considerable time. Tuesday or Wednesday of next week is now more likely for adjournment “sine die”. Once we reach this milestone, your Legislative team will be working to compile and refine the results of the entire session to present at our Legislative Wrap-up on May 10th.<br /><br />Last week’s new proposal for the NDPERS BILL (<b>SB2046</b>) for closing the NDPERS Defined Benefit plan consumed much of the week. Recognizing the strong opposition of local government to this unknown increase in unfunded liability, the final amendment DID NOT change the local government portion of NDPERS retirement. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQRznd42-p13tIn3ed1NTMwiIVjwOQM40RBUruzv0B_slcolSQbDSUjWBa1DMKVVWj4UIBEoWnRjtE5fRZwwWwg6Eo_6i-qnwPC91w4f6YL4gZF7sUVXp28FlMiS3q28Q4aKJ70AaD5g/s2048/20210420_161158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQRznd42-p13tIn3ed1NTMwiIVjwOQM40RBUruzv0B_slcolSQbDSUjWBa1DMKVVWj4UIBEoWnRjtE5fRZwwWwg6Eo_6i-qnwPC91w4f6YL4gZF7sUVXp28FlMiS3q28Q4aKJ70AaD5g/s320/20210420_161158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The amendment ultimately adopted would close the Defined Benefit (DB) or pension plan to new STATE employees January 1, 2023. New state employees would be provided a defined contribution or DC retirement plan like a 401K. The amendment segregates the reserves and liabilities associated with state employees separately from those associated with local government employees. The amendment would appropriate $100 million and inject a “stream” of Legacy Fund interest to bolster the DB plan for those “legacy” state employees that would remain in the DB plan through retirement. An intensive study and actuarial analysis of both the state employee portion and the local government portion of the fund would be completed by November 1, 2021, so that the information would be ready for the Legislative redistricting session late this year. In the meantime, the local government employers and employees would see an increase in retirement contributions of ½% of salary each to move this part of the fund toward solvency. Should this bill pass, county officials will need to be very engaged in this study and analysis, as the Legislature will be looking to us (counties, cities, schools, parks) for direction for “our portion” of the retirement system. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpPaWl7aXOQCoTd0PrHBGbAtLP0tn2k4P7apb5AwTWJWnokfHgIoJW0pGkj_nQ4oyB3SRI7qAsm52BOQubWPmTSPhVg8naT17ojUvg85JykOJeMjgi5qQVwH_RVyh5qCSqqf51PelEn0/s2048/20210421_093650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpPaWl7aXOQCoTd0PrHBGbAtLP0tn2k4P7apb5AwTWJWnokfHgIoJW0pGkj_nQ4oyB3SRI7qAsm52BOQubWPmTSPhVg8naT17ojUvg85JykOJeMjgi5qQVwH_RVyh5qCSqqf51PelEn0/s320/20210421_093650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Also, in the news this week, was the Governor’s signing of <b>HB1341</b> that for the first time in a very long time authorizes a significant state bonding program. This concept would use a portion of Legacy Fund earnings (interest) to service a bond of $680 million, much of which would be used for major state water projects. The Governor explained that by getting these major projects “off the table”, the resources trust fund would be able to better fund the smaller water projects statewide – this fund is also enhanced by bond proceeds of $74.5 million. $50 million of the bond would go to enhance the infrastructure loan fund which is available to cities and counties and $70 million would go to NDDOT to leverage additional federal funds for road and bridge construction. The final $50 million of the bond would go to build the agriculture products development center at NDSU. <br /><br />Still “hanging fire” is the “streams” proposal (<b>HB1380</b>) which includes the $64.3 million biennial injection into the Highway Distribution Fund. The Senate is very solid on retaining this stream, and the entire Transportation Coalition is working on increasing House support. <br /><br />The Transportation Coalition has also been instrumental in the immediate township road support that was added to the OMB Budget (<b>HB1015</b>) in the Senate. The legislature recognized that townships in North Dakota do not qualify for federal Relief/Stimulus funding and have therefore proposed $5000/township for non-oil counties and then $20 million to NDDOT specifically for township road and bridge grants. Importantly, both parts of this funding would also go to counties on behalf of unorganized townships. There is considerable support for this in the House, and efforts continue to maintain it through the conference committee process.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZjNb00EpMAo7iyQtaPyExaQzKbOZbyFEb-09XFd1xNDYwpwKk3o7MWlOQilX3icoD1UpeXSDtuIRf00JcdGn3tSxPFfQeU74XHDZiO48Nm3W4B2Ny9zbB5GqULewXW53iIwsP96jM8g/s2048/20210419_113911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZjNb00EpMAo7iyQtaPyExaQzKbOZbyFEb-09XFd1xNDYwpwKk3o7MWlOQilX3icoD1UpeXSDtuIRf00JcdGn3tSxPFfQeU74XHDZiO48Nm3W4B2Ny9zbB5GqULewXW53iIwsP96jM8g/s320/20210419_113911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Governor held a bill signing event for <b>HB1435</b> which provides health insurance to the spouse and children of an emergency responders who die in the line of duty. We had several Sheriffs and other first responders who attended the ceremony. </div><div><br /></div><div>The House approved the conference committee's work on <b>SB2144</b>, which made changes to the criminal trespass code. The bill now provides law enforcement officer who responds to the call of trespassing with options in dealing with the event and allows prosecutors options to charge based on the extent of the crime. </div><div><br /></div><div>House and Senate conference committee members met to review Senate floor amendments made to <b>HB 1183</b> regarding onsite septic systems. Local public health units supported the amendment which provided equal representation on an onsite wastewater recycling technical committee comprised of Gubernatorial appointees from local public health and installers. The amendment replaced the House bill of three local public health representatives and four installers. A second amendment placing an end date on the bill was also supported by local public health. The final version lists the technical committee makeup of three local public health representatives, four installers and one licensed environmental health practitioner. The ending date was replaced with a report to Legislative Management before November 1, 2022. HB 1183 as amended was subsequently passed by both Chambers.<br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-CJO9UXb-tJzSREoN4HezksaLa2qrTcpZjKUAsSWk20-O1xSpA6JUGobXOiBgMiYcQpFvZNd3LWLSd_A_g5k2LRK0GMBcbgn3y6I7ICdrWrgV5FlmYcBsUgACqd89IYuSq32zr53RcA/s487/Screenshot+2021-04-23+105817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-CJO9UXb-tJzSREoN4HezksaLa2qrTcpZjKUAsSWk20-O1xSpA6JUGobXOiBgMiYcQpFvZNd3LWLSd_A_g5k2LRK0GMBcbgn3y6I7ICdrWrgV5FlmYcBsUgACqd89IYuSq32zr53RcA/s320/Screenshot+2021-04-23+105817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>HB 1253</b>, the major election reform bill, was resolved in conference committee Thursday. County Auditors weighed in heavily on post-election deadlines that were dramatically shortened. The committee yesterday approved: changing the county canvassing board meeting date to 13 days after the election. The deadline to add new voters will be before the meeting of the canvassing board, or 13 days. And the deadline to post voter history is before the end of the contest period allowed under section 16.1-16-04 = if recount (18 days after the election) or (27 days after the election) if no recount.</div><div><br /> Language offered in the Senate to help address unintended consequences of HB 1256 (which prohibits the use of nonpublic dollars for elections) was kept in the bill. Allowing counties to be allowed to use donations for use of facilities for polling places, food for poll workers and other nonmonetary donations that are not used to prepare, process, mark, collect or tabulate ballots or votes. However, violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. <br /><br />The Secretary of State’s office requested the committee to include a penalty for Auditors not prepared for the canvassing as a Class A misdemeanor. We were successful in convincing the committee to not include that language.<br /><br /></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-10279491868239067412021-04-16T09:30:00.000-07:002021-04-16T09:30:50.775-07:00NDACo Legislative Update: April 16th<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s320/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a></div>More discussion than action this week, however we have seen
resolution of several conference committees on county bills, discussed below.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But first, a major twist was introduced Thursday that will
likely have an impact on reaching the end of the Session quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rep. Delzer floated a “hoghouse” amendment to
SB2046 (NDPERS Contributions) that would essentially turn it into an
“alternative streams bill”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
proposal creates two very significant concerns for local government:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The amendment does NOT include a stream for the
Highway Distribution Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As discussed
previously, the original “streams bill” (HB1380), would dedicate $64.3 million
per biennium to the Highway Distribution Fund, for state, county, city, and
township roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This amendment proposes
a $60 million income tax buy-down with Legacy Interest instead.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->This amendment is written to close the NDPERS
defined benefit plan for <u>state</u> employees and devote general funds ($100
million) and an ongoing allocation of legacy interest stream
($40million/biennium) to addressing the unfunded NDPERS liability created for <u>state</u>
employees (only).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counties, cities,
schools (for non-teacher employees) health districts, park districts, and other
“non-state” NDPERS participating public employers would be segregated and
directed to fend for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While this addresses the NDPERS retirement transition that
the Governor and many legislators support, it does this by eliminating highway
funding and leaving local government to address an unquantified and unfunded
NDPERS retirement liability with property taxes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This amendment will have a hearing on Monday at 9:30 in the House
GVA Committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are urging all county
officials to reach out to your house members, urging them to resist this
concept.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SB2046 Proposed Amendment Summary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HGVA-2046-20210319-11541-N-COUNCIL_LEGISLATIVE.pdf">https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HGVA-2046-20210319-11541-N-COUNCIL_LEGISLATIVE.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SB2046 Proposed “Streams” Diagram<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HGVA-2046-20210319-11542-N-COUNCIL_LEGISLATIVE_Co.pdf">https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HGVA-2046-20210319-11542-N-COUNCIL_LEGISLATIVE_Co.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In other news, the “Road Train” bill (SB2026) came out of
conference committee as it went in, with local road authority control intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conference committee report was rejected
in the Senate due to a misunderstanding, so it went back to committee and was
immediately returned to the floor in the same form where it was passed 39-6.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">HB1199 is also headed to the floor in good shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This bill to redirect excess funds (if any)
from a property tax foreclosure to the former owner was not supported by the
counties due to its administrative difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was improved before House passage, further
approved in the Senate, and the conference committee continued the effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe it is now workable for county
officials.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The effort to exempt property taxes on potato warehouses and
grain elevators located on platted land in cities if owned by producers
(SB2041) had been turned into a study by the House. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Senate objected and a conference committee
met several times before agreeing the topic needed study before enacting such a
policy change.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SB2244, to increase Sheriff fees was resolved in conference committee this week as well. The fees got a small bump, essentially $10 more. These fees have not been adjusted in 20 years, so it was time to address them. Legislators signaled they would support looking at these fees again in a couple sessions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The bill traditionally held as the last bill of the session,
the OMB Budget (HB1015), remains in the Senate for final corrections and
additions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is expected hat this will
be the vehicle to restore township road funding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, along with everyone else, will be
watching this bill until the end. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-83622582968920655972021-04-08T22:37:00.000-07:002021-04-08T22:37:05.079-07:00NDACo Legislative Update: April 9<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s320/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a></div>This week Wednesday saw the first conference committee meeting to resolve House and Senate differences, and they have multiplied exponentially since. For those watching, these often have only an hour or so of notice, so periodically refreshing the conference committee link on the Legislative website is critical. This is an extremely important phase of the process, and we expect at least a dozen county priority bills will ultimately be resolved in conference. <br /><br />The Bonding Bill (<b>HB1431</b>) took a very interesting turn this week. In round numbers, the House proposed bonding for almost $700 million – mostly for diversion/flood control projects. The Senate policy committee added amendments to increase the bonding to just over $1 billion, adding in several public building and energy projects, and notably $30 million for township roads – as they are ineligible for direct federal ARP (Relief) funding. The surprising move was action by the Senate Appropriations to send the committee back to the Senate floor, recommending that the Senate policy amendments be stripped off and the House version of the bill be sent directly to the Governor. Lots of discussion about some of the Senate priorities (including township roads) that fell off the table, and how state ARP funds, or other funding concepts may be leveraged. <br /><br />The Streams Bill (<b>HB1380</b>) remains in Senate Appropriations, and still has $63.9 million in Legacy interest going into the Highway Distribution Fund. As this is an addition that the House did not consider, this will likely be a conference discussion, and we expect that a call for action will be made at some point to urge retaining this important piece. <br /><br />You may recall that the Road Train Bill (<b>SB2026</b>) was amended in a manner requested by counties in the House, but as this has changed the Senate version significantly, a conference committee has been appointed to discuss their differences. If you are represented by the Senate conferees, (Senators Conley, Clemens, and Bakke) please urge them to support the House amendments that preserve county and township control of their own roadways.<div><br /><b>HB1323</b>, the bill to prohibit mask or face covering requirements, was voted on by the Senate on Wednesday. NDACo opposed it in its original form, focusing on its broad language that removed the ability of local government (as well as private employers) to mandate safety equipment within their operations. Counties were not alone in our opposition; cities, schools, medical facilities, and business organizations all provided testimony in opposition. Due to the response from local government and other constituents, the concerns recognized. Ultimately the Senate amended the bill to remove local government and business from the restrictions, leaving in place a prohibition on State officials issuing statewide mask requirements. The bill was then passed, although in a significantly altered form from the House version, so the battle may continue.<p></p></div><div>The final bill on our schedule to testify on was heard Thursday. <b>HB 1253</b> is a massive, 80 page election reform bill. The Secretary of State's Office supported the bill and was involved in a majority of it's drafting. There are a few election related proposals that were defeated that have now made their way into the bill. NDACo supported the bill and offered further suggestions for amendments. The committee will continue to work on the bill Friday. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Senate acted on numerous firearm bills Thursday including a bill (<b>HB 1498</b>) that expands the state's "stand your ground" law to include any where an individual is legally authorized to be. The Senate passed 1498. They also approved <b>HB 1383, </b>which<b> </b>as proposed sought to prohibit local law enforcement from working with federal agents if firearms were involved. The committee worked on the bill following hearing testimony from law enforcement. The amended version approved in the Senate addressed the law enforcement concerns. The bill now accomplishes the intent of the bill to not allow local law enforcement to provide assistance to a federal agency in response to a federal order or statute that is more restrictive than state law unless the violation is related to: homicide, kidnapping, sex offenses, drug offenses, human trafficking or other felony offenses. This new language accomplishes the intent to not allow a federal order to impede on North Dakotan's 2nd amendment right but to also preserve the working relationship of federal, state and local law enforcement. </div><div><br /></div><div>No committee hearing schedule for next week as committees are done hearing bills. Committees will wrap up their work on the remaining bills to act on in committee and conference committee meetings and floor sessions will occupy most of the activity next week. </div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-33710234080965050212021-04-02T10:19:00.000-07:002021-04-02T10:19:01.502-07:00NDACo Legislative Update: April 2nd<div><p class="MsoPlainText"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s320/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a></div>The legislature began appointing conference
committees Thursday to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of some
bills. This is what is commonly considered the start of the "Third Period" of the process. It is also a sign that the end is approaching. You will see very few hearings on the
schedule. There are a number of firearm related bills scheduled in Judiciary and the final election reform bill will be heard in Senate GVA. You will see on the schedule that a great deal of it is appropriations committee
work.<p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">More time was spent in floor sessions this week, and
quite a number of “county bills” reached final resolution. Some of the
significant action included:</p><p class="MsoPlainText"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The defeat of the “culvert bill” as requested by the
counties.</li><li>The return of the “road train” bill (SB 2026) to committee and
the addition of language giving local road authorities control before passage. </li><li>The amendment of the “potato warehouse exemption”
was turned into a study.</li><li>A bill (SB 2142) initiated by the County Auditors to increase the days allowed to process absentee/mail ballots passed the House.</li><li>The Senate killed two election bills Auditors opposed. HB 1173 required the full text of measures on the ballot. HB 1373 decreased the days for early vote from 15 to 9 days. </li><li>The Senate also defeated a bill (HB 1457) that would have required counties to renew emergency declarations/disasters at each regularly scheduled meeting.</li><li>The Senate approved a bill to provide health benefits for family members of a fallen officer. </li><li>The House concurred on the changes the Senate made to HB 1112, which requires ND DOCR to pay for housing and medical costs of state-sentenced inmates when in the prioritization plan. This means the bill is on to the Governor for his signature! </li></ul><p></p></div><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16hETlpzXrrQqa_acvpdZoGUFMP42uvR6/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to view schedule for next week. Included in this schedule is the listing of committee work. Bills scheduled for hearings are highlighted. </a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIasK7eYBw9Bw-XT9V98luL5DVa-RfN_Ez-xZ43RYX2MbwQFODXZDcUI7i8NMDZdrQwUtXrkhHY_KwJChv1F81xIHxGSqIQzN631VqviA-T__Qo4q6ZE_sFKto81mqZxjHNkBcA8ok9BM/s1920/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIasK7eYBw9Bw-XT9V98luL5DVa-RfN_Ez-xZ43RYX2MbwQFODXZDcUI7i8NMDZdrQwUtXrkhHY_KwJChv1F81xIHxGSqIQzN631VqviA-T__Qo4q6ZE_sFKto81mqZxjHNkBcA8ok9BM/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-14191709627237580482021-03-26T15:09:00.001-07:002021-03-26T15:09:27.801-07:00*WATCH* NDACo Legislative Video Update for Week 12: March 26<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mlJVKnVQAXE" width="480"></iframe><div>Click to watch video highlighting action taken this week on county related bills. </div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-40258722143365596942021-03-26T05:33:00.000-07:002021-03-26T05:33:32.777-07:00NDACo Legislative Update: March 26<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/w320-h268/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a> Plenty of action on county bills this week, below is a taste of some of the highlights.</p><ul><li>County official efforts on <b>SB2026 (road trains</b>) were incredibly effective and the committee chair saw that the bill would be defeated, so he took it back to committee and amended it in three important ways. </li><ul><li>The 180’ pilot project truck length was changed to 130’ </li><li>Impacts to traffic safety were included as a study element</li><li>A new subsection was added reading: <b>“If a pilot project includes operating on county or township roads, an agreement with the local road authorities must be in place to address traffic safety consideration and costs directly attributed to the pilot project."</b></li></ul></ul><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>As these amendments address the concerns raised by counties, we no longer oppose SB2026. <br /><ul><li><b>HB1464 (Gas Tax)</b> was given a divided (4/3) Do Not Pass recommendation from the Senate Committee, and will be up for vote in the Senate as soon as FRIDAY. This 3-cent increase (and modest increases to electric vehicle fees) would generate $48 million of which $9.6 million goes to county roads. County officials are being asked to <b>CONTACT THEIR SENATORS AND URGE A <span style="color: #38761d;">YES</span> VOTE ON HB1464</b></li></ul><ul><li><b>SB2324 (Culvert bill)</b> was amended and given a strong (11/1) Do Not Pass recommendation, as requested by counties. This bill would shift considerable control from counties and townships to the state engineer over when culverts and bridges are replaced. We are urging county officials to C<b>ONTACT THEIR HOUSE MEMBERS AND ASK FOR A <span style="color: #cc0000;">NO</span> VOTE ON SB2324.</b></li></ul><ul><li><b>SB2041 (potato warehouse/elevator exemption)</b> was heavily amended. The issue of exempting privately owned elevators and warehouses in cities was turned into a study, but the farm-residence exemption was added into the bill with a proposed change to consider machinery sales as farm income. We encourage all commissioners and tax directors can pull this bill up and take a look.</li></ul><ul><li>Senate Senate Political Subdivisions Committee heard testimony on<b> HB 1183 relating to onsite septic systems</b>. The bill came to the Committee amended by the House. In addition to requiring public health units to adopt an onsite wastewater recycling treatment guide, the House amendment provided for the establishment of technical committee. Two Senate floor amendments included adding a local public health representative to the technical committee for even representation and also added an expiration date. The full Senate adopted the amendments and passed the bill which will be returned to the House. </li></ul><ul><li>House bill <b>1152, the “cigar bar"</b> bill was defeated on the Senate floor. This bill would have allowed exemptions to ND Smoke free law, exposing people to secondhand smoke. This law protects public health and promotes worker safety.</li></ul><ul><li>Despite heavy debate, <b>SB2244</b>, the bill to incrementally increase civil process fees by the Sheriff’s Office, was <b>passed</b> in the House 57/36. These fees have not increased in 20 years. </li></ul><ul><li><b>Inmate reimbursement, HB1112</b>, <b>passed</b> the Senate with a unanimous vote. This bill will require DOCR to reimburse county jails for holding state-sentenced inmates if they must remain in a county facility due to state facility limitations. A big success for counties as this was a resolution and priority item. </li></ul><ul><li>NDACo worked closely with the Senate Judiciary committee to improve an amendment that would have prohibited the release of booking photos until individuals are charged. While law enforcement concerns for the most part were addressed with the final amendment the Senate voted to kill the amendment on <b>HB1294</b>. </li></ul><ul><li>Efforts to move to a <b>primary seat belt law</b> for all occupants in a vehicle failed in the House with the defeat of <b>SB2121</b>. The vote was close at 45-49. </li></ul><ul><li>The Senate defeated <b>HB1189</b>, which would have placed a 3 hour deadline for election workers to return results to the Auditors office. Another election bill was also brought back for reconsideration on Monday.<b> HB1198</b> sought to prohibit the Governor from using his executive order authority in restricting polling locations. The Senate passed the bill last Friday, reconsidered it on Monday and killed the bill. </li></ul><h4><ul><li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Also very notable, the Senate defeated HB1420 to legalize "adult use" marijuana, a companion bill that addressed the taxation of marijuana was also killed. </span></li></ul></h4><h3><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EiroEeHHHipjp1EKC80GjWQ7J5Qi8dny/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to view the hearing schedule for the upcoming week</a></h3><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EiroEeHHHipjp1EKC80GjWQ7J5Qi8dny/view?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9vbIi5O2ZsnLQP1xajrwR-aLYwXAb7InohdjRFAdE0I9LSdU2K8li37A4-m6PIiCN6dF4NKet18-C1dnX77y6yMsquOA5wJAhxY6vSX-5HU7IkeXK32s4wxRSPiFjWjNUbkep62VqH0/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-91998732653749491642021-03-22T06:51:00.006-07:002021-03-22T06:51:47.588-07:00*WATCH* NDACo Video Update for Week 11: March 22Click to view video with update on what bills we expect to hit the floor this week. <iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/OTxnrgYVPd8" width="480"></iframe>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-91052619239065784302021-03-18T23:48:00.000-07:002021-03-18T23:48:07.186-07:00NDACo Legislative Update March 18thBig budget issues got considerably more attention this week. The consulting economic prognosticators for the Legislative and Executive Branch each delivered their revenue projections. Both anticipate a significant, though not substantial, increase to oil & gas taxes and to other general fund revenues. The legislative body will adopt an ‘official’ revenue projection this Friday, which will create the guardrails for the final Legislative Budget. Specifically, the oil tax revenue forecast shows an increase in tax allocations to political subdivisions and anticipates the county Municipal/County/Township Infrastructure (Prairie Dog) buckets filling next biennium. These forecasts are critical in reaching adjournment of the Session. Interestingly, there is much discussion of an early adjournment – possibly as early as April 22nd (the 72nd Legislative Day), leaving eight days for the redistricting session in the fall.<div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">With the budget guardrails under construction, the big
infrastructure bills were scheduled for their second hearing. </span><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>HB1341</b> (Bonding Bill) was heard in Senate Finance and Taxation,
with a major leadership amendment proposed to adjust the investment of bond
proceeds to include $70 million for Bridge Projects and federal match for
roads, and $30 million for township roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additionally, $50 million will be added to the $175 million already in
the infrastructure revolving low interest loan fund.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>The “Streams Bill”, or Legacy Interest Investment proposal
(<b>HB1380</b>) was also heard in Senate F&T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also showed up with its own proposed amendment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most important for counties is the proposal to
dedicate a percentage of the interest (estimated at $58 million) to the Highway
Distribution Fund – 22% of which goes to counties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the equivalent of a bit more than
6-cents of motor fuels tax, while having the added benefit of growing each
biennium and the interest from the Fund grows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFVcM_Al0WxMKZvkLFxKpQEYPaCuQNxYzOIYJJdV3vR8Av369E1vHwPxMvsp7P4ksocpv_PvIemnUaq2Pmh4cmmphUBfHy1tguHaMWaA51z1VG1P4ooT9okoh-ANtDwtw_3wjq0Uz-O8/s2048/ryan+2121.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1951" data-original-width="2048" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFVcM_Al0WxMKZvkLFxKpQEYPaCuQNxYzOIYJJdV3vR8Av369E1vHwPxMvsp7P4ksocpv_PvIemnUaq2Pmh4cmmphUBfHy1tguHaMWaA51z1VG1P4ooT9okoh-ANtDwtw_3wjq0Uz-O8/w200-h191/ryan+2121.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A lengthy hearing on the primary seatbelt law. Law enforcement officials were joined by NDACo and other traffic safety organizations. <b>SB 2121</b> received heavy support from those testifying, however, despite the passionate testimony the House Transportation committee delivered an 8-5 Do Not Pass recommendation. This issue is a top priority for counties, and we will be asking for your help in reaching out to Representatives to urge a "Green" vote. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsTFVMZPbNEIMOU3IPEujO1LSluVz4tt0t64l2aPAgOVbQ6Y22rSnht0dGU7aZiGS-yH1l-O6MElQCtt6lHZm_zfezsmC8F81l4I2OJ6K0_y_S40R-BnFYCFJzYjIjv-gFbeUA3ZrnlY/s2048/20210316_084349.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsTFVMZPbNEIMOU3IPEujO1LSluVz4tt0t64l2aPAgOVbQ6Y22rSnht0dGU7aZiGS-yH1l-O6MElQCtt6lHZm_zfezsmC8F81l4I2OJ6K0_y_S40R-BnFYCFJzYjIjv-gFbeUA3ZrnlY/w150-h200/20210316_084349.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Another priority item, the inmate prioritization reimbursement bill <b>(HB 1112)</b> was heard this week in the Senate Judiciary committee and given a Do Pass recommendation. This bill, if approved will require DOCR to pay the housing and medical costs for state-sentenced inmates in local jail facilities when the prioritization plan is effect. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><o:p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w8F6YsJngcMmq_-hP5FMtZa2bDPMBRbc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here for the schedule for next week's hearings</a></o:p></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w8F6YsJngcMmq_-hP5FMtZa2bDPMBRbc/view?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIasK7eYBw9Bw-XT9V98luL5DVa-RfN_Ez-xZ43RYX2MbwQFODXZDcUI7i8NMDZdrQwUtXrkhHY_KwJChv1F81xIHxGSqIQzN631VqviA-T__Qo4q6ZE_sFKto81mqZxjHNkBcA8ok9BM/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p></div></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-43856663240494482912021-03-14T17:54:00.000-07:002021-03-14T17:54:40.923-07:00*WATCH* NDACo Legislative Video Update Week 10: March 12<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/oKjOk1ZmQl0" width="480"></iframe><div>Click to watch the video. </div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-51249154699292018732021-03-11T22:28:00.001-08:002021-03-11T22:28:55.726-08:00NDACo Legislative Update: March 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUNr1n9-vCcPeBXx-m1gQhy00jkbCPpjsTkHPQmSVv_NZ1VzeoBkdylOMjFk8kxAgPZozvv5Kd1bjofw3g56GVB7Crq8L7ag0vAgX7GcHdjWxRtLxRZHytqIIzxD3NZ8v5WrREHDyqys/s2048/20210308_094159.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUNr1n9-vCcPeBXx-m1gQhy00jkbCPpjsTkHPQmSVv_NZ1VzeoBkdylOMjFk8kxAgPZozvv5Kd1bjofw3g56GVB7Crq8L7ag0vAgX7GcHdjWxRtLxRZHytqIIzxD3NZ8v5WrREHDyqys/s320/20210308_094159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The week began with an intense discussion in the House Judiciary committee on two proposed constitutional amendments to eliminate property taxation – partially in one and totally in the other. NDACo and the League of cities opposed both, explaining that the absence of a plan for replacement revenue in one, and the fact that replacement would only be guaranteed at the current year level in the other would create serious problems. While both received “Do Pass” recommendations from the committee, they were both soundly defeated on the floor of the House. <br /><br />It was another busy week for hearings, with the major budget bills for DHS, NDDOT, DoH, UGPTI, NDSU Extension and most of the other letters of the alphabet. Those five noted however have significant impacts on counties, and NDACo staff, and in some cases individual county officials provided testimony on those “county aspects.” <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw5SqNi1toAWUWOBPOLI7z0jjUi61AA16wVaO9y2BTNO9jp7pVPNIFsUTOOlUFOzrMNNkzVtmJbAW6MSG7LTafwjwffqMHtN9wauKGCUP9r4-ucial16Qv4iNW3ddb8RGEqiVUw_8H7c/s1600/IMG_4994.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw5SqNi1toAWUWOBPOLI7z0jjUi61AA16wVaO9y2BTNO9jp7pVPNIFsUTOOlUFOzrMNNkzVtmJbAW6MSG7LTafwjwffqMHtN9wauKGCUP9r4-ucial16Qv4iNW3ddb8RGEqiVUw_8H7c/s320/IMG_4994.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Probably the biggest county crowd was in Bismarck for the<b> “culvert bill”</b> or <b>SB2324</b>. This bill shifts the relationship between local road authorities and the state engineer when it comes to when culverts need to be replaced. Representatives from Grand Forks, Griggs and Foster Counties joined NDACo in weighing-in against this proposal <br /><div><br /></div><div>The “policy bill” hearings are starting to slow down, and next week appears to have fewer scheduled, although there is plenty of committee work (where the action really happens) going on. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ECL4TT8P01w2_yCl9Y4q4kMJx9T28b1NZ0R5-Bq_yuu_9yu_26F0nIT-Qtsdl4fj2jSQSgplcCfoWPVUZuF4N1VmeqmZteMp5TB8Iggy4ZAsgCbLLibNUx01bg3VcSyTSN8qKkDWi0/s2048/20210311_111837.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ECL4TT8P01w2_yCl9Y4q4kMJx9T28b1NZ0R5-Bq_yuu_9yu_26F0nIT-Qtsdl4fj2jSQSgplcCfoWPVUZuF4N1VmeqmZteMp5TB8Iggy4ZAsgCbLLibNUx01bg3VcSyTSN8qKkDWi0/s320/20210311_111837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>An issue we thought was dead is back... The<br /> Sheriffs worked to get a bill to prohibit the release of booking photos <b>"mugshots" </b>killed in the House. House members defeated HB 1296 but similar language has made it's way into<b> HB 1294</b>. We look for that bill to be on the Senate floor as early as Monday. We are asking Senators to oppose the amendments for HB 1294. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following bills were "wins" for counties... </div><div>The Senate gave the final approval on: </div><div><b>HB 1122</b> - Allows for POST Board to license and regulate Reserve Officers</div><div><b>HB 1146</b> - SIRN technical correction to allow for fire and ambulance districts to be eligible for the state cost share for SIRN radios</div><div><br />The Senate defeated: </div><div><b>HB 1238</b>- Required polling location in each legislative district </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S0q-DLVO4NLdY0ITzP-dsi-BtMBXwqp7/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><br />Click here for next week's schedule</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S0q-DLVO4NLdY0ITzP-dsi-BtMBXwqp7/view?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMxO004hR7zO8rNxW1by_tYdynSdJBQVH-l9p654PoedRX3ufeUhyuon8CezvNyvgKv57qwqn8fn5K-obEgttlOeh5rPWku3qEkOIQZBUJIxdaAENn51Ns0gKE3TWKM7fiFFbQg3Xolo/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-77273862872544910802021-03-07T08:41:00.000-08:002021-03-07T08:41:37.218-08:00*WATCH* NDACo Legislative Video Update Week 9Watch the NDACo Legislative Video Update for Week 9<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/aJ34IbCdtj4" width="480"></iframe>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-29441863275903992622021-03-04T17:53:00.000-08:002021-03-04T17:53:54.713-08:00NDACo Legislative Update: Week 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3kLprEjCo7N1TEvXv72Yy2gm09D8Lteu6Ej7r2UeS_O6dF1xLeUdP3QyK-jSWaLcw_Zq9dkJil5EEDxSirkG0zhtzvGBYNCebB09R5cddfQEKZwophjsNalZ5AFo9gdv8DJ83lil7bs/s2048/20210215_132314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3kLprEjCo7N1TEvXv72Yy2gm09D8Lteu6Ej7r2UeS_O6dF1xLeUdP3QyK-jSWaLcw_Zq9dkJil5EEDxSirkG0zhtzvGBYNCebB09R5cddfQEKZwophjsNalZ5AFo9gdv8DJ83lil7bs/s320/20210215_132314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We can't start this update without recognizing the most noteworthy item of the week. The North Dakota House of Representatives voted Thursday for the expulsion of Representative Luke Simons of Dickinson. This is the first time in North Dakota history the Legislature has expelled a member. The House conducted what is called a committee of the whole to address a resolution to expel Representative Simons. The floor session to debate and consider the resolution lasted four hours. The resolution states that numerous reports of inappropriate behavior from Representative Simons
have been publicized which demonstrate a concerning pattern of behavior that corrupts the
integrity of the legislative branch. The House passed the resolution expelling Rep. Simons 69-25. <div><br /></div><div>Moving on to our county related matters...<div>A bill that requires the POST board to license Reserve Officers <b>(HB 1122)</b> utilized by law enforcement agencies received a Do Pass recommendation from the Senate Judiciary committee. The Sheriffs and Deputies Association supported this legislation which was in response to a bill introduced and defeated last session that would have prohibited the use of Reserve Officers. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIztawjW4K3j43sICAOR9Bt7k_TGomeSKgeYy3oMp-y7hcusrkltJzt_u6MuXMTrj75ZJKzJbzp3GJ52Suo534aRXAQuo6O7rwyrho6JPNeFdSj2A7Kkm5BlQ2xTE5e_4yOdAV4qjkoI/s2048/20210304_102451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIztawjW4K3j43sICAOR9Bt7k_TGomeSKgeYy3oMp-y7hcusrkltJzt_u6MuXMTrj75ZJKzJbzp3GJ52Suo534aRXAQuo6O7rwyrho6JPNeFdSj2A7Kkm5BlQ2xTE5e_4yOdAV4qjkoI/s320/20210304_102451.jpg" /></a></div>Several election related bills were also heard in the Senate Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. The County Auditors Association testified in opposition to <b>HB 1173</b> which would require the full text of constitutional measures to be printed on the ballot. While we understand the intent of this bill, auditors believe this will have many unintended consequences and result in issues with executing an election. Burleigh County Election Manager, Erika White provided an example of a 2020 constitutional measure and what that would look like printed in full on a ballot. The measure printed in full took up the entire page of a ballot. The committee did not take action on the bill. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qu2dOZ7cNPq1bdfnAru89cKevkHtigx0ZIv_JV-SNUYO8r5dMrjpxUvw8xzlFi40ARvcSxD81VJgUphSqb2YMvpNAo61cLHGe2hTgOZfwoZ0kpeUksijdQ8zPtwqxo9OQFJ1y6CFp_Q/s2048/IMG954546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qu2dOZ7cNPq1bdfnAru89cKevkHtigx0ZIv_JV-SNUYO8r5dMrjpxUvw8xzlFi40ARvcSxD81VJgUphSqb2YMvpNAo61cLHGe2hTgOZfwoZ0kpeUksijdQ8zPtwqxo9OQFJ1y6CFp_Q/s320/IMG954546.jpg" /></a></div>Senate GVA also heard <b>HB 1238</b> which will require a polling location in<br /> every legislative district. Mercer County Auditor Shana Brost testified how this would be an issue in their county with only 9 voters in one legislative district. This bill would remove the rational auditors use in deciding where polling locations should be located. It would lead to polling locations in sites that may not be the most efficient or convenient for voters but rather in a place that is required due to the legislative district. We urged the committee to give the bill a Do Not Pass recommendation or amend the bill. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>HB 1146 </b>the SIRN technical corrections bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Senate GVA committee. This bill will allow for fire and ambulance districts to be eligible for the $1500 state cost share for radios purchased for use in the SIRN project. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>SB 2026</b> (Road Train bill) was heard by House Transportation
Committee on Thursday. County representatives from the highway and
sheriff’s department testified in strong opposition of the bill, stating the
safety issues, no local road authority and no compensation for potential
infrastructure costs. Two written resolutions were also submitted from
Grand Forks and Richland counties opposing the bills. There are suggested
amendments to the bill, but were not brought forward at the hearing. No
action was taken on the bill.</div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>NDACo supported <b>HB 1157</b> which provides townships additional levy authority in emergencies. The House Political Subs Committee discussed possible amendments that would extend the 5 year limitation currently in the bill recognizing that townships would need more than five years for debt payment.<br /><br /><b>Senate Bill 2041</b> provides a property tax exemption for grain elevators used for personal use to store or process grain or potatoes produced by the owner of the elevator. NDACo offered opposing testimony due to the expansion of an exemption which shifts the property tax burden to other taxpayers. Tax Directors from Walsh and Dickey County presented opposing testimony as cities in their counties would be drastically impacted with this bill. <br /><br /><b>SB 2260</b> aligns current accounting practices regarding the co-mingling of the Highway Tax Distribution Fund with county Road & Bridge Levy funds and provides clarity for the county road levies set to expire in 2024. NDACo provided supporting testimony on the bill which House Political Subs gave a Do Pass recommendation.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bH0VSak5fVR_HNZHm-oXgj8E5BrMk2_1/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to view the schedule for next weeks hearings</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bH0VSak5fVR_HNZHm-oXgj8E5BrMk2_1/view?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnvQIHs2UhtZlq-2i5410bsc6FRrc7tg_3hVuJ58mp23C62mQKDIJ9CxlPjLCRuqXVOSXcUSLYylIJ7yNq5Ad-mjMSXAu0hmu1B0qIjDL12fk_uEeK_p1Cv_cB0GpInvrlzmb04mgwF0/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-48677750347045266502021-03-03T21:29:00.000-08:002021-03-03T21:29:51.594-08:00NDACo Legislative Crossover Report<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIqvZjl3pRjunZN4RcJ2hVaZKoOJgXQLHok4bOZu-qzx_X1Qt-th54h7pamchrgTH8fNNzPOSyI7uPv9riUF7pri3FvZKH3GopbIosuEzz-JfqQ0huF4e60xNJgFJOPagIv6_p19DFws/s320/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a> </p>The 67<sup style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Legislative Assembly worked in the first half of the session to address 900 bills and resolutions, 485 of those have an impact on counties or county officials. Your NDACo Legislative team worked vigorously in the first half of the session in the tracking, testifying, and communicating with our member groups. The success we have experienced so far is indicative of our county folks participating in the process either by testifying to committees or emailing their legislators. The following is an in-depth crossover report of county related issues.</span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MAJOR FUNDING ISSUES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">While there were several competing proposals for bonding and the use of Legacy Fund earnings for infrastructure, the two that follow are the vehicles chosen to advance this discussion.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leadership Bonding, HB 1431, </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">was passed by the House on a very strong 74/16 vote. This bill began with a much longer list of infrastructure improvements to be funded but was pared back significantly before passage – focusing largely on major water projects and $70 million to the NDDOT. There are many on the Senate side that would like to see local road infrastructure to be reinserted.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Legacy Earnings, HB 1380</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">, like the bonding bill, this proposal to dedicate portions of the interest on the Legacy Fund to various infrastructure priorities of state and local government, was pared back significantly in the House before passage, while adding the potential for income tax relief. It is now essentially limited to bond payments and undetermined infrastructure investments. Look for Senate action on this to restore funding “streams” of greater interest to counties. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fuel Tax Increase, HB 1464, </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">this bill started out as a 4-cent tax increase, was amended and passed out of committee at 6-cents, and then was pulled back into the House Finance & Tax and the 6-cent increase was lowered to 3 cents, with hopes of keeping it alive. The <b>3 cents</b> would mean $9.6 million for county roads over the next biennium. The amendments also adjusted for electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees to provide equitable highway support, and an interim study of road funding was added. After much debate, the House passed the bill 61/32.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DHS Budget Bill, HB 1012, </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">was passed by the House with a $13 million increase over the Governor’s recommendation in the “Zones portion” to address salary adjustments like state human service employees and to correct an underfunding problem from two years ago. Unfortunately, this still anticipates utilizing zone reserves to meet expected costs. Indirect costs are to be reimbursed at the same statewide level as this past biennium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">OMB Budget, HB 1015, </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">is typically the final bill passed by the Legislature before adjournment, and therefore contains a lot of interesting things.<b> $8.1 million from the state Disaster Relief Fund is appropriated in this budget to provide $5,000 for each organized and unorganized township for roads, and particularly the match needed for federally funded disaster-impacted road restorations. </b>Of immediate concern was the appropriation for guardianships for indigent persons, which has been funded by the state since 2015. The current $1.95 million appropriation was preserved, but the additional funds for the ever-increasing caseload was not added. This hopefully will be addressed in the Senate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">COUNTY FINANCING TOOLS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Three attempts to greatly limit county financing options coming from the same group of House sponsors were addressed with some success, while somewhat in the reverse, a House bill to expand county financing options for roads was approved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">County Bonding Vote Limits, HB 1484, </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">would have increased the citizen vote requirement for accessing bond financing from a majority to two-thirds. This bill was defeated in the House.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lease-Purchase Prohibited, HB 1485</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, would have eliminated the ability of counties to use a lease-purchase option for building construction. This bill was defeated in the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lease-Purchase Limited, HB 1483,</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would require a citizen vote similar to bond financing if a lease-purchase building construction was to be undertaken for a total cost in excess of $3 million. This bill was passed by the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bonding for Roads, HB 1116</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, will allow county boards, on their own motion, to bond for road construction projects, using their dedicated road levies as well as their capital improvement levies to service the debt. This was passed in the House by a 64/26 vote.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PROPERTY TAX ISSUES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Like in past sessions, lawmakers introduced plenty of ideas to restrict property taxes and budgets. We were successful in killing many of the poor bills or in encouraging committees to turn those bills into studies.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CAPS BILLS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1167</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> created a central taxing authority but was turned into a <b>study</b> <b>of property tax equity</b> and central taxing authority. This was passed unanimously by the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1192</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have placed a <b>cap on property tax values</b> and levies without voter approval and exempted counties from using home rule authority to circumvent the caps. This bill was defeated in the House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1200</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have placed a <b>2% cap on property tax levy increases</b> and would have required a vote to exceed the levies but limited the voter approved levies to no more than one year. This bill was defeated by the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1291</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> required property sold for less than the true and full value to be reduced to the sale price value and was defeated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EXEMPTIONS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1277 increases the new construction exemption</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> threshold from $150,000 to $250,000 for up to ten years with voter approval. This bill passed in the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1471</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>expands the church-owned property tax exemption</b> to include up to 25 acres of undeveloped land owned by a religious organization to be used for future church buildings. The exemption will expire after 10 years if construction has not commenced. This bill passed the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elevator Exemption</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <b>SB 2041</b>, expands the exemption of elevators owned for personal use to include storing or processing grain or potatoes produced by the owner. This bill passed the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daycare Exemption</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <b>SB 2202</b>, expands the exemption of daycares to include buildings owned by non-profit organizations and leased to a licensed daycare. This bill passed in the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">VETERAN AND SENIOR EXEMPTIONS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1325</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> froze the property value on primary residences owned and occupied by anyone age 65 or older. This bill was turned into a <b>study on the adequacy of property tax relief for retired</b> individuals and passed the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1372</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would <b>have expanded the Homestead and Veterans Credit</b> property tax exemptions by freezing the value of the primary residence for as long as the qualifying individual owns the property. This bill failed in the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2213</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> raises the <b>threshold of the amount of value exemption for veterans</b> from the first $6,750 to the first $9,000 of taxable value of the homestead owned and occupied by a disabled veteran. This bill passed in the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2270</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have allowed for a <b>75% reduction in the true and full value of the primary residence</b> of individuals 65 or older. This bill was defeated by the Senate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FORECLOSURES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1136</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <b>HB 1199</b> deal with <b>excess proceeds from the sale of foreclosure properties</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both bills required that the excess proceeds must be returned to the owner of record title. Current law requires the excess proceeds to be credited to the county general fund. The House defeated <b>HB 1136 </b>by 3/86 but passed <b>HB 1199</b> by 89/0 after an amendment clarified the definition of owner of record to include the estate of a deceased owner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1500</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> increased the <b>number of years for delinquent taxes</b> before foreclosure from two years to five years and was defeated in the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2280</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> allows commissioners to <b>establish a new appraisal price on foreclosure properties</b> between annual sales for properties not sold at the annual sale of taxes. The Senate passed this bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">OTHER PROPERTY TAX BILLS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2192</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> required the <b>interest and penalties for late payments be included on the tax statement</b>. A survey of county auditors showed that most counties are already providing that information either printed on the statement or as an enclosure with the tax statement. This bill was defeated in the Senate 20/26.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2260</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> corrects outdated language in the century code related to <b>road and bridge property tax levies</b> and the co-mingling of highway tax distribution funds with county road and bridge levy funds. This bill clarifies what has been a long-standing accounting procedure and passed the Senate 46/0.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1367</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> allowed <b>preliminary budgets to be referred</b> by the voters for approval or be frozen at the previous year’s levies. This bill was turned into a <b>study</b> to consider the current preliminary budget deadlines and petition requirements for placing the question on the ballot. The study, <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Michelle%20%20M.%20Tabbert" datetime="2021-03-03T10:22"> </ins></span>HB 1367, was approved by the House 92/2.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1157</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> allows townships to levy mills necessary for emergency purposes. The House approved this bill.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PUBLICATION REQUIREMENTS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Efforts to revisit two publication requirements that had close votes in 2019 Legislative Session met resistance this time around. </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">HB 1108</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> sought to eliminate the requirement for counties to publish the </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">list of bills</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> they pay if it is on their website. </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SB 2231</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> would have eliminated the requirement to publish </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">election results</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> in the paper if posted on the counties website. Both bills were defeated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1179, </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">which eliminates the reporting requirement for counties receiving oil & gas production tax allocations, was approved by the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1349 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">requires the public to have electronic/<b>remote access to public meetings </b>held by electronic means, that the remote access information be provided in the notice, ensuring there is adequate electronic capacity. This passed the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ELECTION ISSUES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has been quite a legislative session in addressing the substantial amount of election-related bills. More than 40 bills were introduced, a large majority of them look to reform North Dakota’s election laws and practices in response to experiences in the 2020 election in other states. Most of the bills are moving forward, some with improvements; but we will lean on auditors to help educate their senators on these issues following crossover.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those Election bills still alive are:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1238 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">will require polling locations in <b>every legislative district</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1173</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> will require the <b>full text of a constitutional measure or initiated measure</b> to be printed on the ballot. The House defeated a similar bill <b>HB 1119</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1189 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">creates a <b>deadline for election results</b> to be delivered to the county auditor. The bill was introduced with a 90-minute timeline and was amended to three hours. In more than half our counties in 2020, it took election workers more than three hours to return with the canvas report.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1373</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> shortens the length of time allowed for <b>early voting</b> from fifteen days to nine business days.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1447</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> will allow for a college ID form to be used with a photo ID for ND residents.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1256</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> prohibits counties from accepting grants for elections.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1253</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is an extensive 80-page bill making changes and updates to 101 sections. The Secretary of State worked with Rep. Louser on the introduction of this bill. The County Auditors Association requested additional improvements to the bill, which were not included. We will work with the Senate to get those requests considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2142</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> was introduced to provide additional time (three business days) to process absentee ballots.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those Election bills defeated include:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1182 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">would have allowed county candidates to list a political party on the ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1161</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have created a time limit for voters to complete their ballots after the polls close. This language is included in <b>HB 1253</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1312</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have limited vote by mail.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1280 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">was an extensive change of election law. It would have severely restricted absentee voting, prohibited early voting and mail in voting.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><a name="_Hlk65072677"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HIGHWAY & DRAINAGE ISSUES</span></b></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The “Culvert Bill,” SB 2324</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, is likely the issue of greatest concern in this category. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">The language added to a section of current law (and passed by the Senate) shifts the control over when stream crossing improvements must be made in state, county, and township roads. Past understanding of this section has been that <u>WHEN</u> a township or county is reconstructing a road, they are to install culverts (or a bridge) sufficient to meet the results of the state engineer’s stream flow analysis, if provided. If SB 2324 becomes law as passed by the Senate, it appears that the local road authority must upgrade the culverts (bridge) WITHIN ONE YEAR of the state engineer’s analysis. This appears to allow the landowners petitioning for a crossing determination and the state engineer to effectively establish local road construction priorities for the township or county. Also, it requires the court to order the local road authority to pay court costs if a landowner takes the matter to court because the crossing was not upgraded - creating more of an incentive for attorneys to willingly take these matters to court. The bill does allow the local road authority to delay the construction "for good cause," but that is not defined and will certainly take a series of court cases to iron out.</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Road Trains, SB 2026, </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">was also passed by the Senate and remains a concern to counties. This permits the governor to use his emergency powers to pilot the use of road trains in North Dakota, despite opposition from the Motor Carriers, counties, and townships. Work in the House will be needed on this one. A related resolution, HCR 3001, petitions the federal government to allow road trains on federal highways.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bonding for Roads, HB 1116</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, was discussed in the “county financing” section, but it is most important for county roads. The bill will allow county boards, on their own motion, to bond for road construction projects, using their dedicated road levies as well as their capital improvement levies to service the debt. This was passed in the House.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">F&W Regulation Study, SCR 3019,</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> was passed by the Senate to study the </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">fiscal and safety impacts of US Fish and Wildlife Service easements on NDDOT, Dept. of Agriculture, and counties.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The NDDOT Budget, SB 2012</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">, saw a modest increase in funding as it came out of the Senate, basically recognizing the funding that the Bonding Bill (HB 1341) would provide. An amendment was added to permit NDDOT to assist townships on road projects, earmarking $500,000 for that purpose. As discussed in the Major Funding section, the <b>OMB Budget (HB 1015)</b> also contains $8.1 million for $5,000 grants to every organized and unorganized township for roads, and particularly the match needed for federally funded disaster-impacted road restorations.<b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The UGPTI Budget</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, is included as a piece of <b>SB 2020</b>. This budget was enhanced in the Senate, restoring the 5% reduction required by the Executive Budget. If this funding level remains intact in the House, the “local roads study” and the “GRIT” road asset management system will be maintained. The Senate declined to consider a supplemental request for a new program in remote sensing of transportation infrastructure</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.3778px;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tile Drainage Update, HB 1437</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, was passed by the House and would require an individual proposing a small tile drainage project (<80 acres) to prepare and submit a report to the local water board before installing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">INSURANCE & LIABILITY ISSUES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Liability limits</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of state and local government were addressed in <b>HB 1057</b>. This OMB bill proposed by the State Risk Pool (state equivalent of NDIRF) came because of the defeat of a massive increase in government “tort caps” in 2019. After study, it was agreed that a phased, modest increase in these caps were due, as the “individual limit” of $250,000 has been in place since 1997. Although the committee was informed that this change likely will cause an incremental increase in premiums, it was passed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Fire & Tornado Fund</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> is addressed in the passage of <b>HB 1086</b> which improves the ability of NDIRF to continue its administration on behalf of the ND Insurance Dept.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NDPERS RETIREMENT FUND</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Legislature has continued the debate on how to increase the solvency of the NDPERS retirement fund into the future. Several proposals are still alive, while some of the more aggressive approaches are not. Importantly, the significant pandemic relief currently being debated in Congress promises significant funding to state government, some of which has been discussed as a possible source to make a one-time injection into the NDPERS Retirement Fund. This proposal, however, is coupled with the suggestion that the defined-benefit (base program) option would be eliminated for new employees. The following is a summary of the state legislature’s NDPERS retirement proposals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those NDPERS Retirement concepts defeated include:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2042</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ultimately suggested a 5.12% (of salary) Increase to Employee contributions Jan. ‘22.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1342</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> proposed a 1% increase to both Employee and Employer contributions Jan. ’22. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1380</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the “Streams Bill”, originally proposed dedicating Legacy Fund earnings to the NDPERS Retirement fund, but this provision was amended out before passage.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those NDPERS Retirement concepts that remain alive are:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2046</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> implements a 0.5% increase to both Employee and Employer contributions Jan. ’22. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2045</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> allows NDPERS may charge employees an admin expense for deferred comp plans. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1209</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> NDPERS to develop plan to close the defined benefit retirement plan for new employees.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1041</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> may be of considerable interest to county auditors and payroll administrators, as it expands the ability of NDPERS to levy penalties for late payments or non-compliance. </span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1163</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> adds language to current law to cover supplies that are distributed in connection with the <b>syringe exchange program.</b> The language was added to expand protection for local health units and those administering the program from being in violation of possessing drug paraphernalia. The bill passed the House.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Onsite wastewater recycling</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> was studied during the interim with all parties involved agreeing changes to the current system are much overdue. The NDACo and NDSACCHO adopted resolutions supporting improvements for regulators and installers. <b>HB 1183</b> seeks to establish an advisory board similar to the ESC3 Statewide board with respect to 911. The House passed the bill.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1247,</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> if passed, will <b>merge the Department of Health with the Department of Human Services</b>. There are considerable questions regarding the logistics and details of how this would look, including its effect on local public health units. This was passed in the House.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Immunization bills</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Several bills addressing immunizations failed in the House including:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1320</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> which sought to eliminate the immunization requirement for entry into school or day care.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1377</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have created additional exemptions for businesses requiring vaccines not approved by FDA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1468</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have required additional and extensive documentation of risks associated with vaccines to be provided. This bill was opposed by several physicians, pediatricians, nurses, the Department of Health immunization program and local public health. Some concerns expressed included infringement on the doctor-patient relationship and significant cost burden.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1469</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have required information, including a Department of Health education module, providing the risks of <i>not</i> vaccinating as a condition of exemptions being granted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State Health Officer related bills</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1480</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> requires that the State Health Officer be a licensed physician, which would remove the requirement for a three-person board in the case of a non-physician appointment. This passed the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2331</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have made the State Health Officer an elected position. The Senate defeated the bill. <b>SCR 4015</b> is a resolution that was introduced shortly prior to crossover. If approved, this resolution would allow voters to decide whether or not the <b>state health officer should be elected</b> and if the candidate must be a physician licensed to practice in this state.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tobacco related bills</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1152 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">will allow for <b>cigar bars and lounges</b>. This bill went to the House without recommendation and passed narrowly by three votes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1420 legalizes “adult use” of recreational marijuana</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. It was introduced in an effort for the legislature to head off a ballot measure and allow for greater control and regulation. If passed, this bill includes limitations for possession and purchases within a given timeframe; restricts the sale of marijuana to the compassion centers currently authorized to sell medical marijuana; prohibits public use; and prohibits independent growing. A separate bill (<b>HB 1501</b>) addresses the <b>tax policy of “adult use” marijuana</b>. Both bills passed the House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2156</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> raises the legal smoking age to 21 years. The bill aligns ND with Federal law and easily passed the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2188</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>restricted the authority</b> of local subdivisions. Local public health joined with the League of Cities to defeat this pre-emption bill and uphold current local decision-making with regards to consumer merchandise such as tobacco and tobacco products.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2189</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> adds <b>electronic smoking devices</b> to code regulating to tobacco products and requires licensure and reporting for those who sell these products. Additionally, SB 2189 provides a legislative study for reduced harm nicotine products as proposed by the FDA. This passed the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Health Funding</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ND Department of Health budget, <b>SB 2004</b>, was favorably amended to include the restoration of tobacco prevention and control funding to <b>local public health</b>. <b>The Senate included a one-time $10 million Optional Adjustment Request funding to local public health for ongoing COVID-19 expenses. </b>The bill also raises the per diem expenses of the state health council and further included a legislative management study regarding the roles of the state health officer, health council, medical advisory board and governor as they relate to the administration of the state department of health.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2303 </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">allows for one tribal group to establish its own local health unit if desired. The bill’s intent is to provide equal opportunities for all tribal entities. While testimony supporting the bill was complimentary concerning the working relationship among tribes and local public health, there are still several concerns about adding any additional health units. This passed in the Senate, further discussions are expected when the bill is heard in the House.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Several public safety priority initiatives that NDACo was instrumental in getting introduced are still alive and moving forward. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">The Primary Seat Belt Law, SB 2121,</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> was passed by the Senate, and is now in the hands of the House. The bill changes two things from current law: 1) requires all occupants in a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt, and 2) makes the offense primary.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The prioritization reimbursement bill</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <b>HB 1112</b>, requires DOCR to enter into an agreement with local jails when in the prioritization plan and pay for the housing and medical costs for those state sentenced inmates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1146</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> makes corrections to the SIRN radio cost share program to allow for fire and EMS districts to be eligible for the state cost share.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1122</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> allows the POST board to handle the licensure of <b>reserve officers</b>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2244</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;"> looks to increase the civil process fees. These fees haven’t been adjusted in more than a decade. The proposed increases will put ND fees in line with other states. This bill passed the Senate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Lawmakers introduced numerous bills under the pretext of justice reform. Law enforcement opposed many of those initiatives as they compromised public safety. In addition, law enforcement worked diligently to educate lawmakers on the negative impacts and unintended consequences of several bills. Assessing the number of harmful bills that were defeated clearly indicates their presence and correspondence with lawmakers was effective. NDACo tracked more than 215 public safety bills this session.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Safety concepts defeated include:</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1340 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">was one of the most concerning law enforcement related bills that would have restricted law enforcement from entering private property for searches.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1104 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">would have reduced the amount of time violent offenders are required to serve on a sentence from 85% to 65% of their sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1123 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">would have allowed individuals arrested for misdemeanor offenses to be released on their own recognizance.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1270</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> included concerning language that would have restricted law enforcement’s ability to do surveillance. The bill was amended to address law enforcement concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1296 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sought to make booking photos confidential.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1257 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">would have repealed the law requiring those under 18 to wear seatbelts.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1443</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> required the POST board to provide bias training.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SB 2234</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would have allowed medical marijuana patients to home grow marijuana.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Public Safety concepts passed that remain a concern include:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1383 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">would impact the working relationship between locals and federal agents as this bill prohibits local law enforcement from helping to enforce federal firearm laws.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1391</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> allows for edible medical marijuana. HB 1420 “adult use” marijuana also allows for edible marijuana.</span></li></ul><b><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Public Safety concepts worth noting:</span></u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1287 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">enhances the penalty for drug sales connected to death by overdose. This bill passed the House. <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1435, </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">if passed, would provide health insurance to the family of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. This bill was amended to be funded from the PERS fund. The House passed this bill.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1470 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">proposes to study the behavioral health needs of inmates. This bill was passed by the House.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1380 </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333;">makes improvements to the civil asset forfeiture law passed in 2019. This bill is based on suggestions from the Attorney General’s office. It was passed by the House. <b> </b></span></li></ul><p></p><p style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">There were numerous </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Firearms and dangerous weapons bills </b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">introduced this session and several of them still are alive including:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1498</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would allow individuals to use deadly force against an assailant without needing to retreat first. The “stand-your-ground” bill expands the current “castle” law by allowing a person to use deadly force anywhere they are legally allowed to be. This bill passed the House. A similar bill, <b>HB 1193,</b> was defeated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1248 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">prohibits a city or county from enacting a zoning or other ordinance relating to the sale, purchase or possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1293 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">allows individuals with CWL to carry a loaded handgun in vehicle and allows for open carry at any time. <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1297 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">prohibits possessing firearm or dangerous weapon at a school or school-sponsored event on school property. Individuals with concealed weapons licenses can carry in a church with approval. Violation is a penalty of $50. The House passed this bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1311 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">would have allowed firearms in public buildings. The House defeated this bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1339 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">was a concerning bill as introduced relating to dangerous weapons but was amended in committee to propose a legislative management interim study of dangerous weapons and public gatherings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1450 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">reduces the time for which an alcohol offense conviction is a disqualifier for CWL.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1463 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">authorizes ambulance or fire crews to carry while on duty with permission. <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EMERGENCY AUTHORITY</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many bills sought to restrict the governor’s authority along with the authority of local officials during emergencies. The following bills are still alive:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1457</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> requires county and city commissioners to renew local disaster, emergency, or evacuation orders at regularly scheduled meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1118 </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">requires legislative management to vote on requesting the governor to call a special session during a public health emergency.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1180</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> removes the governor’s authority to suspend or limit sales of alcohol during declared state or disaster or emergency.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1386</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> prohibits a state agency or political subdivision, including local public health, from limiting hours of operation or capacity of a private business.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HB 1495</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> allows legislature to determine when emergency ends. Limits the duration of an executive order relating to an epidemic or pandemic to 30 days. Extended only with consent of legislature for 30 days at a time. Allows for remote session to address.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HCR 3005</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> would allow voters to decide if legislature should convene to consider bills or items vetoed by the governor or to address an emergency or other urgent situation.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Three bills address the governor’s authority in relation to <b>elections</b>. They stem from the COVID-19 pandemic when the governor suspended the requirement for every county to have one physical polling location. Every county conducted the June election vote by mail only. <b>HB 1198</b> prohibits the governor from reducing the minimum number of physical polling locations. This bill was passed by the House. Two other similar bills, <b>HB 1171</b> and <b>SB 2193</b>, were defeated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-ouEZVtZnJ65iU09OI-FWtTyegB1yvL/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to see the status report for county related bills tracked by NDACo. </a></span></p>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-1075274479530715462021-02-26T09:13:00.002-08:002021-02-26T09:13:23.037-08:00*WATCH* NDACO Legislative Video Update for Week 8: Crossover Report<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/vSSb-euCcp8" width="480"></iframe><div>The Legislature has hit their crossover deadline. NDACo provides a status report on several of the priority county related bills as we reach the end of the first period of the legislative process. </div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-71837685690743873422021-02-25T08:30:00.002-08:002021-02-25T08:30:42.496-08:00ND Legislature Reaches Crossover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPOMrSMt4IBkl0pKVvpJMmsij_9Rnz8-HSBD4CJYSBfuCj28Pi333H0kB5GnnYrvxGQiGfJ-0Fn_EsCdSQJo0u1ShW_YZ2iqET4pIHUCjO915Sh7muwtZGvF5uOn-nBOxYL4etRxkai0/s2048/House+%25281%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPOMrSMt4IBkl0pKVvpJMmsij_9Rnz8-HSBD4CJYSBfuCj28Pi333H0kB5GnnYrvxGQiGfJ-0Fn_EsCdSQJo0u1ShW_YZ2iqET4pIHUCjO915Sh7muwtZGvF5uOn-nBOxYL4etRxkai0/s320/House+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Crossover is here! The House finally adjourned late Wednesday, and the legislature will reconvene next Wednesday - March 3rd. <br /> <br />They collectively addressed <b>900 bills and resolutions</b>, and over half of those – <b>485 </b>to be exact – were introduced with some impact on counties or county officials. About 30% of those “county” bills were defeated, but that leaves plenty of county issues for the rest of the session.<br /> <br />As we have been blogging, the three key infrastructure funding bills remain alive, but will need considerable attention in the Senate in the second half.<br /> <br />The two big budgets with the biggest direct impact on counties were both enhanced in ways beneficial to counties. The <b>DHS</b> saw a $13 million increase for zones, and the <b>Dept. of Health</b> budget saw the restoration of $650,000 for local public health.<br /> <br />County financing tools saw considerable attention in the first half of the Session, with two very restrictive bills defeated, and one expanding a county’s ability to bond for road projects.<br /> <br />The <b>NDPERS Retirement Fund</b> was addressed by several proposals to maintain the funds solvency.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZM_hhrBHu9j5SnQesgqSxX6m891_RZwA02Ac9PnAl0dv9DeuIWkK83kHAJ66_m7zOI-NTyKEhASMdb-FAPKCTwxmkpHU_zqQxy7XyWHMjLx7JKCPrBqgk7xnHRGYWx0ekJFJeIRTCrU/s2048/House+Chamber+%25289%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZM_hhrBHu9j5SnQesgqSxX6m891_RZwA02Ac9PnAl0dv9DeuIWkK83kHAJ66_m7zOI-NTyKEhASMdb-FAPKCTwxmkpHU_zqQxy7XyWHMjLx7JKCPrBqgk7xnHRGYWx0ekJFJeIRTCrU/s320/House+Chamber+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Most of these died, but one that would increase both the Employer and the Employee shares by ½ of one percent of salary remains in play. Importantly, the significant pandemic relief currently being debated in Congress promises significant funding to state government, some of which has been discussed as a possible source to make a one-time injection into the NDPERS Retirement Fund. <br /> <br />Two concerning county road policy issues were advanced by the Senate. The “Culvert Bill,” <b>SB2324</b>, shifts the control over when stream crossing improvements must be made in county and township roads was narrowly passed by a 2-vote margin. <br /> <br />The other bill would permit the Governor to use his emergency powers to pilot the use of <b>road trains</b> in North Dakota. These will be priorities as they move to the House.<br /> <br />Liability limits of state and local government were addressed in the House. An OMB bill proposed by the State Risk Pool (the state equivalent of NDIRF) was in response to the defeat of a massive increase in government “tort caps” in 2019. After study, it was agreed that a phased, modest increase in these caps were due, as the “individual limit” of $250,000 has been in place since 1997.<br /> <br />We are very pleased with where we are sitting in regards to <b>property tax</b> issues. Like in past sessions, there are plenty of ideas introduced to restrict property taxes and budgets. We were successful in killing many of the poor bills. It appears lawmakers are hungry for more information on the property tax system and what the legislatures role can be in reducing property taxes as there were several bills turned into studies of our property tax system and budget process.<br /><br />There were 45 bills impacting <b>elections</b> with many of them focusing on election reform. Many of these bills are reactionary, in response to what lawmakers believe happened nationally – not in North Dakota. We were able to defeat the most concerning bill – which would have eliminated early voting, absentee voting and vote by mail for ND. There were a number of bills seeking to restrict the governor from using his executive order authority to make changes to elections – stemming from the COVID situation and requests that came from Auditors regarding the June election. That bill and many other election issues that we testified in opposition to, are still alive and we will lean on our auditors to help us defeat them on the Senate side. On a positive note, a proposal initiated by the Auditor’s to increase the time to process ballots was approved and will move forward. <br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvuGSnFs-CqNdzBosnBYcOypM2KMem8TDVoeqng4Nmhknbt4zPuatSkle5KYyCI3QNFq0VrwX_qWr0elO0J4HOmbowZTBoAIjFuHWnj0Ycul_5Hzwg4IkWdn9kfrHS8ee7-WFm8GhJjM/s2048/Jahner+%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvuGSnFs-CqNdzBosnBYcOypM2KMem8TDVoeqng4Nmhknbt4zPuatSkle5KYyCI3QNFq0VrwX_qWr0elO0J4HOmbowZTBoAIjFuHWnj0Ycul_5Hzwg4IkWdn9kfrHS8ee7-WFm8GhJjM/s320/Jahner+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our Sheriffs were engaged throughout the session and it really paid off. We were able to defeat or assist in amending some concerning bills that could have been detrimental to <b>public safety</b> as well as hindering the Sheriffs duty to serve. A few of these bills include prohibiting law enforcement from entering private property without permission, no bail for misdemeanor crimes along with reducing the mandatory minimum sentencing for violent offenders. In addition, some important public safety initiatives have marched forward including: a correction to the <b>SIRN</b> radios – cost share; primary <b>seatbelts</b> and <b>reimbursement for</b> <b>DOCR inmates</b> sitting in county facilities when the prioritization plan is in effect.<div><br /></div><div><b>Look for a more in-depth NDACo crossover report to come in the upcoming days. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KpSYI0sVXfd-_QM1eBOiP9cRVT2oGQug/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here for the link to next week's hearing schedule.</a> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KpSYI0sVXfd-_QM1eBOiP9cRVT2oGQug/view?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnvQIHs2UhtZlq-2i5410bsc6FRrc7tg_3hVuJ58mp23C62mQKDIJ9CxlPjLCRuqXVOSXcUSLYylIJ7yNq5Ad-mjMSXAu0hmu1B0qIjDL12fk_uEeK_p1Cv_cB0GpInvrlzmb04mgwF0/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div> <br /> <br /> <br />
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</div><br />ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-6939842529180532822021-02-22T14:07:00.001-08:002021-02-22T14:53:52.675-08:00Gas Tax Increase Passes House, Senate Approves Culvert Requirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEYOvBMbyBoFlDthotUEXT5tOOHk_Cun3PTXTyeXCSEpvyJjx9bRX3E40sk5VL_IIPegQuOaoijit7oeu5JddTOR3o0OHrsJ2MJ3-cywuCN615BDCu_optNZb47qxgeOKwfHBwE3qhfQ/s940/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEYOvBMbyBoFlDthotUEXT5tOOHk_Cun3PTXTyeXCSEpvyJjx9bRX3E40sk5VL_IIPegQuOaoijit7oeu5JddTOR3o0OHrsJ2MJ3-cywuCN615BDCu_optNZb47qxgeOKwfHBwE3qhfQ/s320/NDACO+leg+update+generic.png" width="320" /></a></div>Two bills county members were watching closely were voted on in the House and Senate Monday. <b>SB 2324</b> - related to culvert requirements passed the Senate by a narrow margin of 25-22. This bill will specifically require the awarding of court costs if a landowner prevails on a suit to force a county or township road stream crossing change recommended by the state engineer that is not completed within one year. This could mandate a difficult and costly series of road improvements that may be unaffordable, particularly at the township level. We will have to redouble county efforts in the House on this bill. <div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the House passed <b>HB 1464</b> - to increase the fuel tax three cents. The gas tax is currently at .23 and has not been increased since 2005. Those who spoke on the floor today referred to the great local road needs. 40% of the tax generated from the fuel tax comes from non-residents using North Dakota roads. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Senate will adjourn for their crossover break Tuesday. It was reported on the House floor there are 129 bills to be acted on in that chamber. Majority Leader Chet Pollert indicates the House will spend all day and into the evening working through the calendar on Tuesday and Wednesday. <br /><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-86503610443968123012021-02-21T20:28:00.001-08:002021-02-21T20:28:06.389-08:00*WATCH* NDACo Legislative Video Update Week 7<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/BttNdCW38HE" width="480"></iframe> <div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the Legislature nears "crossover" the chambers will be spending most of their week taking action on bills. This video highlights some of the top priority county related bills that will be voted on this week. </span></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-79173175509245387232021-02-18T22:21:00.000-08:002021-02-18T22:21:41.992-08:00NDACo Legislative Update: Week 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6p_XcsEBBQBGqOvcqAa-pjgfbjV7By8bpS42jym2xPitvkw0hCgLZojHOPgadIL9l9oCzMjfUHapYfAmL4l7kyMqSMpvDrNsx9m0VpG6TnqinvTtrZKl2oGiTqU5T7NOoCuP_NUJ7Vk/s2048/20210215_132314.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6p_XcsEBBQBGqOvcqAa-pjgfbjV7By8bpS42jym2xPitvkw0hCgLZojHOPgadIL9l9oCzMjfUHapYfAmL4l7kyMqSMpvDrNsx9m0VpG6TnqinvTtrZKl2oGiTqU5T7NOoCuP_NUJ7Vk/s320/20210215_132314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>North Dakota lawmakers are nearing "crossover". This is the deadline (next Friday - Feb. 26th) for bills to be voted on in the chamber of their origin. There were a few hearings this week, but a lot of committee work, particularly in appropriations committees. Tomorrow (Friday) we should see the reporting out of all remaining “policy” bills, and most funding measures. The big budgets, like Higher Ed and DHS are still works in progress.</div><div><br />The major infrastructure bills are heading to the house floor for (semi)final action. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>HB 1431 (Leadership Bonding) </b>was passed out of the Appropriations Committee after amendments on a 14-4-3 vote. This bill began with much longer list of infrastructure improvements to be funded but was pared back significantly before passage – focusing largely on major water projects and $70 million to the NDDOT. There are many on the Senate side that would like to see local road infrastructure to be reinserted. </li><li><b>HB 1464 (Fuel Tax)</b> was pulled back into the House Finance & Tax and the 6-cent increase was lowered to 3 cents, with hopes of keeping it alive. The amendments also adjusted for electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees to provide equitable highway support, and an interim study of road funding was added. Clearly, the votes were lacking for the 6-cent increase, and even 3-cents may be challenging. It is in the best interests of road funding to keep this bill alive, to make sure there are options at the end of the session. <b>Please let your Representatives know that counties support additional road funding. </b></li><li><b>HB1380 (Legacy Earnings)</b>, like the bonding bill, this one got a serious haircut (not unlike when Aaron cut off his ponytail). This has been quite limited to bond payments and undetermined infrastructure investments. Look for Senate action on this to restore “streams” of greater interest to counties. </li></ul>Although, not totally complete, the<b> DHS Budget Bill (HB1012) </b>was recommended by the subcommittee for a $13 million increase in the “Zones portion” to address salary adjustments similar to state employees and to correct an underfunding problem from two years ago. Unfortunately, this still anticipates utilizing zone reserves to meet expected costs. Indirect costs are to be reimbursed at the same statewide level as this past biennium.<br /><br />A final problematic local government “budgeting bill” <b>(HB1367)</b> was amended to a study and sent out of committee. This bill would have required counties, cities, schools, and parks to hold a “referral vote” on their preliminary budget if petitioned. The time needed to meet these requirements make it impossible to implement, and the committee felt a study of the issue was a better alternative.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleA00VRjew3cZsNZWIMLfOMmqU7iTkL948zfD9KrIMrL_i4BUc70JnDay94ice6vyWn2gBYCvpeC7JoSurfB66NtCgNs5P1es8gB8GuUnmal9nBbp8L4B3s3RlgAjGIk-IB_O32eYox0/s2048/20210215_092026.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleA00VRjew3cZsNZWIMLfOMmqU7iTkL948zfD9KrIMrL_i4BUc70JnDay94ice6vyWn2gBYCvpeC7JoSurfB66NtCgNs5P1es8gB8GuUnmal9nBbp8L4B3s3RlgAjGIk-IB_O32eYox0/s320/20210215_092026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Aaron Birst along with law enforcement testified on three concerning public safety bills. <b>HB 1340</b> restricts law enforcement from entering private property for search and seizure without permission. <b>HB 1339</b> was amended to study the state's dangerous weapons laws and <b>HB 1498</b> relates to the use of deadly force and removes the duty to retreat. All three bills were passed out of committee with Do Pass recommendations. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Law enforcement were also watching three bills closely this week on the House floor. These bills went in our favor. </div><div><ul><li>HB 1296 - prohibits law enforcement from releasing booking photos - FAILED</li><li>HB 1123 - misdemeanor arrestees to be released on own recognizance - FAILED</li><li>HB 1287 - enhances penalties for overdose deaths for drug dealers - PASSED</li></ul></div><div>The House voted on eight various election related bills with five of the bills failing and three moving forward. NDACo opposed the three that passed and will work with the Senate to address our concerns. These are: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>HB 1238 - puts a polling location in every legislative district - PASSED</li><li>HB 1173 - print the full text of measurers on ballot - PASSED</li><li>HB 1198 - prohibits Governor's authority in emergency from restricting elections - PASSED</li></ul></div><div>Next week the House will be pulling some long days on the floor and even working in the evening. Majority Leader Chet Pollert reported on Wednesday there are 185 bills to be acted on. The House has been averaging six bills an hour in their debate and voting process. </div></div></div><div><br /><u><b>No schedule is posted as there are no committee hearings next week. </b></u></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-65428524879028827842021-02-14T20:01:00.000-08:002021-02-14T20:01:16.587-08:00NDACo Legislative Video Update Week 6<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/dBe-CygcM4s" frameborder="0"></iframe>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064637618578354302.post-64059380245866167432021-02-11T23:36:00.000-08:002021-02-11T23:36:19.591-08:00NDACo Legislative Update Week 6: Feb. 11<p> A lot of our work this week has been preparing for the bills moving from committee to the floor and making sure our county members know when and how to contact their lawmakers. In many cases, those bills are pulled off the calendar when we least expect it, throwing off our plans. That's just an example of how fluid the legislative process is. One example of this is with HB 1464, which is the gas tax increase proposal. <br /><br />HB 1464 came out of committee with a .06 increase on the current .23 tax on gasoline. The .06 increase would provide $19 million in additional funding to counties to address local road needs. The bill was on the House calendar, however we are hearing the republican party is polling lawmakers to determine if the bill should be returned to committee to reconsider the increase. Please continue to communicate to your lawmakers the importance in supporting this proposal. This is one of the few bills that can address local road needs this session. It needs to be on the table. </p><div style="text-align: left;">The House floor calendar continues to grow and is quite lengthy as we end week 6. The House has already announced they will have longer floor sessions next week in order to make progress. There are a number of hot topics making their way to the House floor that we have indicated as higher priority items to watch and encourage our members to engage their legislators on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>On the Floor in upcoming days: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1464: gas tax increase - support<br />HB 1123: no bail for misdemeanors - oppose<br />HB 1296: prohibits release of booking photos until convicted - oppose<br />HB 1287: enhanced crime for drug dealers if lead to overdose death - support</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1238: requires polling location in every legislative district - oppose</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1312: eliminates absentee voting, vote by mail, early voting - oppose</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1173: print full language of constitutional measure on ballots - oppose</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-shwQeyf1vojOfHxXw1vSmukEKnZGSlmDFeI5ptjjRYj1gAHESiiBsslsdicpfBced4_9E1g4JPKtNA5Xms81LsX7ySSfH3waAHxgKIIHvh_QQtqJaF8tQivHfigg04_WIZkPYHQ_P8/s2048/20210211_175827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5CaOpsQ3iQE-ecObDStbwJFvgM7oav0qjvS5KQPCdrtSrKtt5HqeqsGxpDd89yV7yaqzIkH-PQSEC0M4HEHa3PBsR5sMGdt1Wdf6sjvwOVdx4AVJwWCO8ceyzwZN8r8aufCEZZ1xpkU/s2048/20210211_162106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5CaOpsQ3iQE-ecObDStbwJFvgM7oav0qjvS5KQPCdrtSrKtt5HqeqsGxpDd89yV7yaqzIkH-PQSEC0M4HEHa3PBsR5sMGdt1Wdf6sjvwOVdx4AVJwWCO8ceyzwZN8r8aufCEZZ1xpkU/s320/20210211_162106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>NDACo was involved in a very unconventional opportunity this week. In response to the multiple (45) election related bills, NDACo offered to the House and Senate Government and Veterans Affairs committees to provide a presentation outlining the election process in North Dakota and demonstrate equipment. NDACo's Donnell Preskey along with McKenzie County Auditor Erica Johnsrud and Burleigh County Election manager Erika White provided the presentation. The hope is to increase the knowledge and education to the lawmakers hearing the bulk of the election related bills.<div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121;"><b>PUBLIC HEALTH RELATED: </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121;">Senate
Appropriations Subcommittee of Senators Sorvaag (Chair), Bekkedahl and Mathern
continue to work on the Dept of Health budget, SB2004. Amendments are expected
that would add back in the budget funding for loan repayment program and Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome Clinic. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121;">Onsite
septic system bill, HB 1183, is anticipated to</span> be amended and<span style="color: #212121;"> move
through Political Subdivisions Committee</span>.<span style="color: #212121;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121;"> </span><span style="color: #212121;">Senate
Human Services Committee </span>held a hearing on<span style="color: #212121;"> SB 2303 regarding public health units on tribal lands.</span> The bill requests language change to the Century Code to
include all tribal lands the option to form a public health unit if so desired.<span style="color: #212121;"> Barb Frydenlund, Rolette County Public Health District
Administrator presented testimony sharing some of the many services being
provided in the County which are available to everyone. She applauded the
1999 Legislature's forethought in establishing law that all land in the state
be in a public health unit by 2001.</span> “As a
result of this forwarding thinking,” testified Frydenlund, “all North Dakota
residents, including those individuals residing on tribal lands, have the
privilege of having the opportunity to receive comprehensive preventive and
sometimes clinical health services provided by local public health
districts/departments.” Frydenlund noted that adding another health unit
would mean duplicative services and increased strain on an already minimal
budget.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Here is a brief of other county related bills we were involved in testifying on this week: </b><br />HB 1443: Post Board to provide Bias training - Opposed, DNP recommendation<br />HB 1470: Behavioral health services in jails - Supported with suggestions<br />HB 1189: Sets 90 minute time limit to get election results to auditor - Opposed<br />HB 1379: Changes date for prelim budgets & allows for referral - Opposed</div><div style="text-align: left;">SB 2234: Counties must pay for Culverts (scheduled for Friday) - Opposed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bills voted on this week of note: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1182: party affiliation optional for county officials - FAILED</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1256: non-public funds for election banned - PASSED</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1279: uniform fines/fees - PASSED</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1494: study recruit and retention options for law enforcement - PASSED</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB 1471: expansion of property tax exemption for churches: PASSED</div><div style="text-align: left;">HB: 1372: property tax freeze for seniors - FAILED</div><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GMrNtvqvI3Nq3KSR39Nu5MftZC5Tetw/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> Click here to view the schedule for bills to be heard the Week of Feb 15th</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GMrNtvqvI3Nq3KSR39Nu5MftZC5Tetw/view?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-qeuZ8ytj-NAC-LqqxRwAufWxJVkS3dGxKla_REefViy04SNyeLOgD099CFL9irSY4keIonQPC78fU2VbQ6VwQjZ990-ej0puE96uS11OjAWmkOxhEHZwjRHelJyHpNGEA3lvkgw_CI/s320/NDACo+Weekly+Schedule+Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>ND Countieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16261789909842987406noreply@blogger.com0