ND Legislature – TheMinotVoice.com

School leaders oppose bill putting superintendent in charge of districts’ compliance with ND state law

by: MinotVoice | January 22, 2025

Senate Bill 2104, pitched by Sen. Todd Beard, seeks to ensure school districts adhere to state education laws, proposing a 2% cut in state aid for non-compliance. This move comes after a confrontation over transgender student rights in Fargo. Proponents argue for accountability, while critics warn of hefty financial hits and potential misuse. As the

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Bill would reduce time for North Dakota teachers to get lifetime license

by: MinotVoice | January 22, 2025

The ND legislature is debating a bill written to reduce the years needed for a lifetime state teaching license from 30 to 20, aiming to cut costs and help retain educators. Advocates say it acknowledges the dedication teachers give, potentially saving them around $1,000. However, the state’s licensing board argues that ongoing education is key

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Port: North Dakota lawmakers may finally get ballot measure reforms right

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

Reforming North Dakota’s ballot measure process isn’t a headline-grabber, but it should be. House Concurrent Resolution 3003 proposes requiring a 60% supermajority to amend the state constitution—a sensible safeguard for our most consequential laws. Critics argue this undermines direct democracy, but it’s worth considering: should laws be shaped by fleeting majorities or broad consensus? Rob

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Bill would let North Dakota state firefighters retire earlier

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

State firefighters in North Dakota may soon find early retirement within their reach, as lawmakers review a pivotal bill aimed at aligning their benefits with other public safety officials. House Bill 1112 seeks to allow these brave professionals, currently eligible for retirement at 65, to retire up to a decade earlier. It’s a recognition not

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Following tax spike, property tax relief ideas head before Montana lawmakers

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

Property taxes are front and center at Montana’s Capitol, where surging bills are squeezing homeowners and renters alike. Lawmakers are weighing solutions that could bring relief — but the paths diverge. Governor Gianforte’s proposal targets second homes and high-end properties, aiming to shift the tax burden while rewarding primary residents. Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing for

Read & Share sourced from: Montana Free Press

Sports betting bill brought up again in state legislature

by: MinotVoice | January 20, 2025

North Dakota stands at a crossroads on sports betting. Representative Scott Louser is pushing for a 2026 ballot that could legalize wagering on professional and college sports. While he argues the state misses out on revenue as more than 30 states have already embraced this pastime, critics warn of increased financial risks, like the potential

Read & Share sourced from: KX News

Rock stars: Bottineau geology students propose new North Dakota symbol

by: MinotVoice | January 20, 2025

Young geologists in North Dakota are making waves by proposing the state’s first official rock: Knife River Flint. These spirited students, known as the Bottineau Rockhounds, took their enthusiasm to the state Capitol, urging lawmakers to embrace this cola-colored stone. Historically significant and unique to North Dakota, Knife River Flint has been treasured for its

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Making Property Taxes Fair Again: A Reform Plan for North Dakota

by: MinotVoice | January 18, 2025

North Dakota’s property tax system might not be a typical dinner table topic, but its complexity impacts every homeowner. A recent proposal aims to address frustrations with the current system, introducing bold reforms like an 8-year rolling average for assessments and a focus on taxing usable square footage for primary residences. The author argues these

Read & Share sourced from: The Dakotan

School phone policies needed, but not a state ban (news and an editor’s commentary on the topic)

by: Josh Wolsky | January 16, 2025

In Bismarck, a new debate centers on the ringing and pinging interruptions that cellphones bring into classrooms. Representative Jim Jonas has pitched a bill to limit student cellphone use, aiming for better focus and mental health. While some educators see the merit, arguing for local control, the proposal faces mixed reviews. Exemptions are being discussed,

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Minot legislator offers property tax relief bill

by: MinotVoice | January 16, 2025

Legislative discussions are heating up about lessening the burden of property taxes, and one proposal is coming straight out of Minot. Representative Scott Louser is championing a bill to shift some school funding responsibilities from property owners to the state. If passed, House Bill 1168 would have North Dakota take on a significant chunk of

Read & Share sourced from: Minot Daily News

Armstrong’s executive budget highlighted by property tax relief, infrastructure and housing investments

by: MinotVoice | January 16, 2025

Governor Kelly Armstrong has laid out his executive budget proposal for 2025-27, focusing on significant investments poised to reshape the state. Prioritizing property tax relief, housing, and education, the $19.89 billion proposal includes over $1 billion in new spending. Highlights feature a $1,550 property tax credit for homeowners and a robust infrastructure push. Armstrong assures

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Underserved rural communities targeted in legislative proposal

by: MinotVoice | January 15, 2025

In the rolling plains of rural North Dakota, small towns like Wing face big challenges. Imagine trying to build a city hall with no funds or renovate a community greenhouse with change found in couch cushions. Enter Senate Bill 2097, a proposal that could flip this script. It aims to create a $50 million Rural

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Budget caps a concern but local leaders say it’s time to work on property tax reform

By: Michael Achterling, North Dakota Monitor | January 15, 2025

Local government leaders told lawmakers Tuesday they’re ready to work on property tax reform, but expressed concerns about the state capping their budgets. The House Finance and Taxation Committee took testimony on a bill that incorporates Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s plan to put most homeowners on a path to paying zero property tax. Rep. Mike Nathe,

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Ethics and the One-Party State: A Mission Not Yet Accepted

by: Jim Maxson | January 14, 2025

The reluctance of the North Dakota State legislature to accept the recommendations of the newly formed ethics commission should not be a surprise except to the most naive among us. Organizations historically have not been known to reform themselves. Elected officials having hubris is about as surprising as ducks having webbed feet. The relaxed conflict

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South Dakota Legislature: Property taxes, pipelines, prisons (and more)

by: MinotVoice | January 13, 2025

As South Dakota’s Legislature convenes for its 100th session, it’s not just about marking a centennial milestone. Transition is the name of the game in Pierre, with Gov. Kristi Noem poised for a Washington move and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden ready to step up. At the heart of it all, though, are pressing issues: property

Read & Share sourced from: South Dakota News Watch

Port: The culture war bills are back at North Dakota’s Legislature

by: MinotVoice | January 10, 2025

North Dakota is no stranger to legislative drama, and this session is no exception with bills that wade deeply into the murky waters of religious and social policy. Among the more contentious proposals, House Bill 1145 seeks to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public classrooms, while others aim to resurrect blue

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