Update includes - Social Services, Extension, Criminal Trespass and Feedlot Zoning

SB2124, Social Service Redesign, passed the House today with only 3 votes against, and virtually no debate. Human Services Committee Chairman, Robin Weisz, provided a high level explanation, and there were no questions or other comments. As there were some changes from the Senate version of the bill, it will now go to the Senate Human Services Committee to review and determine if a conference committee is warranted.

The Senate Appropriations passed out HB 1020 the NDSU Extension and Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. The committee restored the cuts made by the 2017 budget cuts effecting the funding formula between the state and counties to fund Extension program. $870,000 was added to the NDSU Extension budget to restore the funding which would return the formula to the more equitable method. The committee also fully funded the UGPTI road and bridge study. These two funding priorities were of high importance for counties. This bill will go to the House floor and more than likely be further negotiated in conference committee.

The House Agriculture Committee voted 9-3-2 Do Pass today on SB2315 – Criminal Trespass/Posting. The amended version leaves private land open for hunting unless posted and establishes a “Land Access Committee” tasked with studying access to public and private lands in the 2019-2020 interim. The Committee shall provide recommendations regarding electronic posting of land by August 1, 2020 or all land will be considered closed (posted) on that date. The approved version also provides for law enforcement to issue citations for trespassing on private land.

The House Agriculture Committee voted 11-2-2 Do Pass yesterday on SB2345 – Animal Feeding Operations/Zoning. Amendments in the approved version included a requirement for local zoning authority decision within 60 days, repeal of the fifty percent variance on setbacks currently allowed, and added in grandfather permit language for existing operations.