North Dakota Legislative Week 3 - Busy Busy Busy

This week is the third week the North Dakota Legislature has been in Session. It is a busy week. A lot of bills are scheduled for committee hearings that affect cities. 

Today representatives from various cities and the League testified virtually and in person on HB 1200 which places a 2% cap from one year to the next that a political subdivision may levy. The committee took the bill under advisement. The following individuals did a great job explaining how the bill would negatively impact cities:


Kent Costin, Finance Director, City of Fargo


Harold Stewart, City Manager, City of Minot


Bill Wocken, North Dakota League of Cities

Also, a big shoutout to the cities of Stanley and Jamestown for submitting written testimony on the bill.


HB 1325 also had a committee hearing today. That bill would freeze the property taxes for individuals over 65 years of age. An amendment was offered turning the bill into a study of property taxes and people over age 65. The committee seemed receptive to that amendment.

Coming up tomorrow (1/20) is HB 1260 on paying employees during an emergency where businesses are required to close or reduce their hours and HB 1138 which allows treble damages and punitive damages for violations of the North Dakota Constitution's freedom of speech protections. 

Finally, on Thursday (1/21) HB 1182 will be heard. This bill would allow the option to designate political parties in city, county and school elections.


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