Both chambers approved a bill relating to animal feed lot zoning regulation, HB 2345. This bill makes a change from the House version. The House originally struck the counties ability to vary setback distances as established under State law but after some negotiations the county’s 50% variation was restored. The only change in the final bill is that the county must establish by compelling evidence the need for the variation and that decision can be reviewed by the Agricultural Commissioner and the Attorney General. It also retains the "shot-clock" for decisions at 60 days.
Legislature Approves Health Department BudgetThe Department of Health budget, HB 1004, passed both houses Monday after adopting the conference committee report. As when first introduced in the House, the question regarding vital records fee increases was brought forth. It was explained that fees for vital records have been stagnant for a few decades and that the increase aims for a break even scenario. The bill provides for excess funds to go the general fund. On the Senate side, the only change from the version that was previously passed was the addition of authority to apply for a CDC grant. The conference committee members decided to remove the CDC grant because of attached CDC requirements. The passage of this budget bill provides level state aid funding from the previous biennium to the local public health units.
Senate Defeats Firearms BillSenators defeated SB 2172, which had been changed to allow certain individuals to carry in public. The Senate bill was introduced to allow only retired Judges to carry in public, but was amended heavily in the House and later changed in conference committee. In the latest version, the bill allowed retired judges, staff members of the Attorney General's office, a member of Congress, and paramedics or emergency responders while on duty to carry in public buildings and public events. This would include county buildings, courtrooms, schools, school events and churches. There was a requirement for these individuals to obtain the same level of firearms proficiency as is required of law enforcement by the Peace Officer Standards and Training board. The bill failed with a 4-43 vote.
Counties Invited to Ceremonial Bill Signing for Social Service Redesign
The signing of the Social Service Redesign bill is an event worth celebrating! NDACo President Scott Ouradnik, Kim Jacobson of Agassiz Valley Social Services Director and NDACo Executive Director Terry Traynor were invited to a ceremonial signing of SB 2124. Special thanks to our partners who worked diligently on this important legislation. This bill will improve the quality of services, increase the speed of delivery, reduce cost and continue to provide property tax relief.
Legislature Approves Health Department BudgetThe Department of Health budget, HB 1004, passed both houses Monday after adopting the conference committee report. As when first introduced in the House, the question regarding vital records fee increases was brought forth. It was explained that fees for vital records have been stagnant for a few decades and that the increase aims for a break even scenario. The bill provides for excess funds to go the general fund. On the Senate side, the only change from the version that was previously passed was the addition of authority to apply for a CDC grant. The conference committee members decided to remove the CDC grant because of attached CDC requirements. The passage of this budget bill provides level state aid funding from the previous biennium to the local public health units.
Senate Defeats Firearms BillSenators defeated SB 2172, which had been changed to allow certain individuals to carry in public. The Senate bill was introduced to allow only retired Judges to carry in public, but was amended heavily in the House and later changed in conference committee. In the latest version, the bill allowed retired judges, staff members of the Attorney General's office, a member of Congress, and paramedics or emergency responders while on duty to carry in public buildings and public events. This would include county buildings, courtrooms, schools, school events and churches. There was a requirement for these individuals to obtain the same level of firearms proficiency as is required of law enforcement by the Peace Officer Standards and Training board. The bill failed with a 4-43 vote.
Counties Invited to Ceremonial Bill Signing for Social Service Redesign
The signing of the Social Service Redesign bill is an event worth celebrating! NDACo President Scott Ouradnik, Kim Jacobson of Agassiz Valley Social Services Director and NDACo Executive Director Terry Traynor were invited to a ceremonial signing of SB 2124. Special thanks to our partners who worked diligently on this important legislation. This bill will improve the quality of services, increase the speed of delivery, reduce cost and continue to provide property tax relief.
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