The $120 million requested from the state is not for the Fargo flood diversion project, it’s for flood protection needs prior to the diversion project and would be used for engineering and legal fees, right of way acquisition, land purchases, home buyouts and construction of levees and floodwalls.
Read & Share sourced from: InForum
It’s official, the bill requiring high school students to pass a civics exam similar to one required to become a naturalized citizen prior to graduating is now law.
Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune
Funding for one of the likely first steps in the Souris Valley flood protection plan, the StARR program, was the topic in a Senate Committee meeting Thursday. Senator David O’Connell proposed raising the funding level by $11 million to $121 million total. Full details from KX News.
Read & Share sourced from: KX News
The oil-patch spending bill has grown to more than $1.1 billion, yet it sailed through the Senate nearly unopposed, passing 44-2. The bill is designed fast-track funding for the oil-impacted western part of the state so projects can get underway first thing this spring.
Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune
Legislators will be working off a newly revised revenue forecast as they plan the budget for the next biennium. Lower oil prices and a lower tax rate for oil producers (as a result of the lower prices) will result in $4 billion less in revenue.
Read & Share sourced from: InForum
The bill would provide financial incentives to retail locations that install natural gas filling equipment and grants to consumers who purchase or convert vehicles to run on natural gas. Full details from Bakken.com.
Read & Share sourced from: Bakken.com
A few bills on school safety are working through the legislature. One bill would provide funding for school resource officers, another would allow for specially permitted concealed weapons. For more details and some valuable commentary check out Rob Port’s thoughts at Say Anything Blog.com.
Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com
Department of Mineral Resource Director Lynn Helms briefed the Industrial Commission on bills active in the legislature that may impact management and regulation of oil and gas operations in the state.
Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would provide funding for school resource officers in rural districts. In Committee, testimony on the bill by education officials was favorable.
Read & Share sourced from: Bismarck Tribune
Should we replace, renovate, or do nothing at all with the Governor’s residence? Legislators will decide. Plus, Monday is the last day to file legislation and it looks like we might see a more bills than last session.
Read & Share sourced from: InForum
When it comes to funding oil country, it seems like legislators have opted for the both and philosophy as opposed to an either or. More details and commentary from Rob Port at Say Anything Blog.
Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com
Admittedly, this story is less about the Legacy Fund and more about what one of our local legislators wants to do with it. KMOT covers Rep. Oley Larsen’s plan to create a savings account for each new-born ND resident.
Read & Share sourced from: KMOT News
If you were hoping Ward County might someday soon put property tax records online, you’ll have to call your County Commissioner. The Legislature won’t be compelling counties to do anything.
Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com
There are a number of income tax related bills that are being discussed in the session. Get a good overview of the different proposals from Mike Nowatzki writing for the Dickinson Press.
Read & Share sourced from: Dickinson Press
The bill is on the table and would likely complicate the election process, but if passed it would allow only property owners to vote in school bond elections. Get the full details and commentary from Say Anything Blog.com
Read & Share sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com
Yesterday, In committee, Legislator’s heard testimony from a highway patrol lieutenant and others who had concerns about a proposed legislation that would allow lawmakers carry concealed weapons in state buildings.
Read & Share sourced from: Dickinson Press