ND Legislature Completes First Half of Session

The House and Senate worked diligently for the past three days to clear their calendars and complete their work on bills they have heard this session. They are now on their "mid-session" break otherwise known as "crossover". They will resume hearings Wednesday, February 27th.

The House and Senate worked diligently for the past three days to clear their calendars and complete their work on bills they have heard this session. They are now on their "mid-session" break otherwise known as "crossover". They will resume hearings Wednesday, February 27th.
NDACo is tracking a record number of bills this session and overall county issues were well received during the first half of the Legislative Session. Most bills strongly supported by county officials were passed, and only a few bills opposed will need to be addressed after crossover.
Many bills we have weighed in on were voted on over the last few days. Here is a brief summary of some of them...
House
HB 1066 - Infrastructure funding otherwise known as "Operation Prairie Dog" passed 80-12. There was lengthy debate on this bill most of it related to concerns by Representatives regarding the long-term commitment. The bill was amended to allow the State's Infrastructure Improvement Fund to receive $400 million in revenue before the county local infrastructure "bucket" is filled. While this may delay the receipt of funds for non-oil counties until the end of the next biennium, it protects the state's obligation if oil prices or production is reduced.
HB 1435 - Funding for the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) - Passed 85-5. This bill fully funds the project to upgrade the communications system for public safety responders.
HB 1375 - Requirement for local offices to be partisan - Failed with a vote of 37-53. This bill had been amended to impact locally elected boards and commissions and Sheriffs.
HB 1497 - Expansion of use of deadly force - Failed 41-49
HB 1286 - Asset Forfeiture reform - Passed
HB 1184 - Elimination of quick take eminent domain - Failed
HB 1325 - Everyone can carry at public events - Failed
HB 1155 - Decriminalization of Marijuana - Failed 43-47
HB 1290 - Restricts law enforcement from searching private property without permission - Passed
HB 1289 - Requires random spot checks of property values - Passed - 52-41
HB 1270 - Requires counties to consult with district party chairs when relocating precinct boundaries and moving polling locations - Passed - 86-7
HB 1020 - NDSU Extension Budget - Passed The House Appropriations restored cuts made by the executive budget and added $450,000 for local roads study.
HB 1004 - ND Department of Health Budget - Passed: The House Appropriations restored $5.25 million for local public health units.

Senate 
SB 2062 - Eliminate requirement for counties to publish official election results if published on county websites. This passed on Tuesday but was reconsidered Wednesday and failed with a vote of 20-25.
SB 2356 - Absentee ballots signatures amended into study - Passed
SB 2315 - Changes criminal trespass relates to private property and posting - Passed