Senate Approves Social Service Redesign & Plan for Week of February 18th

Week of February 18th

No hearing schedule for next week to share as committee will be finishing their action on bills if they haven't completed their work by end of this week. The Appropriations committees will be hearing and acting on bills that have been referred to them as well. But most of the time next week will be spent on the chamber floor voting on bills. The House and Senate need to have all bills voted on in their house of origin by the end of next week or what is known as "crossover". Legislators are scheduled for a mid-term break the 25-26th and possibly the 22nd if their work is complete.
Watch for a few major bills to be on the floor early next week including:
1066 - Operation Prairie Dog
1435 - Statewide Interoperable Radio Network funding
1286 - Asset Forfeiture

Senate Approves Social Service Redesign

The North Dakota Senate approved SB 2124, the Social Service Redesign bill Thursday with a vote of 43-1. Senator Judy Lee carried the bill on the Senate floor. "This continues the Legislature's efforts to fund social services instead of using local property taxes and will enhance the delivery of services. This plan creates 19 zones where multiple counties will collaborate on services, however all current access locations will be maintained. We have to have the services provided where the people are, but we believe these locations will work more effectively," said Lee.

 There are many elements to this complex bill but a few of the highlights include:
The plan will create 19 zones of multiple counties that will collaborate on services.
Counties with larger populations are allowed to have their own zone.
Zone Directors are employees of the zone board which will be it's own political subdivision.
An expanded human service zone board of county commissioners, legislators and other local leaders to hire the zone director and ensure local service needs are addressed.
All current access locations will be maintained.
Statewide implementation by 1/21.
Immediate tax relief and reform through elimination of up to 20 mills counties levied in the past for social services in the past.
Statewide consistency with indigent burials.

Committees Act of Numerous Bills

Committees this week have been spending most of their time wrapping of the work they have on bills remaining in committee.
Action worth noting of committee votes Wednesday:
2256 - lists up to 500 words of constitutional measure on ballot -Senate GVA DNP recommendation
2062 - eliminate publication of election results in paper if on co website - Senate GVA DNP recommendation
1325 - allows anyone to carry guns at public events - House Energy & Natural Resources DNP recommendation
1379 - voter referral of preliminary local budgets - House Political Subs - DNP recommenation
1270 - polling places to be approved by district chairs - amended to co must consult with district chairs - House Political Subs - DP recommendation
1289 - private appraisal supersedes board of equalization - House Political Subs DP recommendation