Lawmakers Choose Interim Studies

The Legislative Management committee met Tuesday to select studies that were proposed during the 2019 session. Legislation passed required 15 studies and suggested 50 other studies. The committee reviewed, discussed and voted on whether or not to study those 50 optional studies. In the end, they selected 31 optional studies and bringing the total of interim studies to 46.
In discussion, lawmakers identified the number one priority this interim as studying the impact of students who experience behavioral health crisis or engage in aggressive behavior at school putting students, teachers and others in unsafe situations.
The committees that will tackle the studies will be formed in June and meet several times throughout the next year and a half to provide recommendations for potential legislation in the next session. You can view the full list of studies, their descriptions and whether or not they were selected by following this link: Study Directives Approved
Below is a list of several of the studies of interest to counties:

SELECTED: 
Study related to liquid nicotine and electronic smoking devices.  This was a Local Public Health priority item. Vaping is a growing epidemic in ND and the country, especially with young people. This study will explore taxation options. 
Study the regulation of onsite sewage (septic) disposal systems. This was a priority for Local Public Health to get studied. These systems pose potential environmental hazards to our state and its citizens if not properly installed and maintained. Statewide regulations and enforcement currently in place have several challenges; the code has not been revised since 1992.
Study the implications of the potential adoption of an initiated measure allowing use of recreational marijuana
Study best practices to reduce offender recidivism to include transitional housing and education opportunities
Study the juvenile justice process
Study of behavioral health crisis in schools
Study implementation of behavioral health recommendations to improve access and availability for behavioral health care
Study state's civil commitment laws and procedures
Study issues related to the Olmstead Commission (issues related to services for elderly, individuals with behavioral health issues, physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities)
Study options for replacing revenue generated by special assessments with revenue from an alternative source
Study accessibility of state Capitol grounds - ADA
Study the future administration and regulation of the unmanned aircraft systems industry in ND
Study needs and future challenges of delivery of health care in state
Study feasibility and desirability of creating a road train pilot program
Study blockchain technology
Study veterans' programs 
Study of joint water resource board to address basinwide neeeds

NOT SELECTED: 
Consider studying traffic fines and penalties imposed by state and local governments along with a complete analysis of NDCC Title 39
Consider studying developing standard procedures and classification of accounts that is uniform for all counties 
Study of the homestead tax credit
Study railroad crossings in relation to safety measures

REQUIRED: 
Study consolidated emergency and interoperable public safety communications system (SIRN) governance and funding options 
Study access to public and private lands for hunting, trapping and fishing including trespass violations and penalties and provide recommendations regarding a land access database with the capability of electronic posting. This study establishes a new committee with citizen members
Comprehensive study of Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities 
Study potential uses of legacy fund earnings
Study of state agency fees
Study the implementation and requirements of Article XIV (Ethics)  
Study K-12 education funding formula
Study tribal taxation issues