Senate Defeats Church Property Exemption Bill and Repeals NDSU Publication Requirement

The Senate defeated HB1424 which related to property owned by a church. The bill looked to expand property allowed that would be exempt from taxation. The bill failed with a vote of 9-38.

Senate members also voted to repeal the publication requirement for Counties and NDSU Extension to publish quarterly ads in county newspapers. Repealing this section of code in HB 1231 would save counties $45,000 a biennium. Senator Kyle Davidson told members, "This law was created 100 years ago and at that time it served a purpose. Today, you can get information regarding NDSU Extention by visiting their website, going to their office, or calling the Extension. This is an example of an unfunded mandate." The bill passed 41-6. It will go to the Governor for his signature.

Also to update you on the progress of SB2288 relating to the uniform tax notice. The House Tax and Finance Committee heard the bill today (Wednesday) and gave the bill a Do Pass recommendation. This bill repeals the current Truth in Taxation notice and replaces multiple notices with one single notice. The committee did amend the bill - changing who is responsible for mailing the notice from auditor to treasurer to mirror code that defines this responsibilty for issuing tax statements. This change was backed by the Auditors and Treasurers Legislative Committee. The bill will now go to the House floor for a vote.