Legislative Update: 28 Days Left

The Legislature took a step forward in the property tax relief discussion this week. The Senate Appropriations Committee amended HB 1176 and gave it a Do Pass as Amended recommendation. Changes to the bill include:

• The credit amount is now 75% of property tax due, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1,250.
• Added intent language for broader tax relief next session, expanding benefits to other property classes.

There are 28 days left in the session. We saw movement on several of the 36 bills we have been closely watching.

GNDC'S SUPPORT BILLS
> Reminder: We started with 26 bills at crossover that we want to shepherd into law. Nineteen are still active.

• SB 2109: WSI Agency Bill
  • Related to clarification of definitions.
  • Carried by Rep. D. Ruby, who gave a thorough floor speech to clean up and define terms.
  • Passed the House.

 

• HB 1012: ND Department of Health and Human Services Budget
  • We are focused on provisions related to childcare.
  • Preview our testimony.

OPPOSITION BILLS
> Reminder: We started with 10 bills at crossover that we opposed. We are now down to five.

• HB 1259: Elimination of Daylight Savings Time
  • We were not alone in our opposition. The Grand Forks/EGF Chamber, FMWF Chamber, AGC of ND, EDND, ND Association of Builders, and businesses that see impacts in recreation and construction also voiced concerns.
  • See our past blog post

 

• HB 1391: New Protected Class (our testimony)
  • Raised concerns due to conflicts with federal law, workplace safety, and litigation costs.
  • Failed in the Senate, 17-29-1.

• HB 1114: Insulin Mandate (our testimony)
  • We were disappointed with this passage, which is set to increase healthcare premiums for employers.

 

• HB 1283: Diagnostic Breast Exams Co-Pay Costs (our testimony)
  • Another healthcare mandate
  • This initial rollout is sets a trial on PERS plans then will appeal to apply to private sector.
  • While insurance already covers this, the bill eliminates the cost-share/copay.
  • The price tag = $4 million.
  • This too passed in the Senate. We are pained by these premium increases.

CURRENT BILL COUNT... BY THE NUMBERS

• 258 total bills tracked this session
• 28 days remaining
• 5 opposition bills remaining
• 19 support bills remaining

As we enter the final weeks of the session, we will continue to monitor these bills and advocate on key issues. Watch for potential action alerts in the coming days, and engage with us when opportunities arise. Your voice is important in shaping policy decisions.