HB 1627 proposed appropriating $7 million to fund free school meals for eligible students during the 2026-27 school year. It would have provided meals at no cost to students in public or nonpublic schools whose household income is below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill aimed to cover meal expenses through grants to school districts, with funding effective July 1, 2026. The legislation failed to pass in January 2026, receiving 45 votes in favor and 48 against. This was a funding measure, not a procedural resolution, and would have directly affected low-income students and school districts.
Relating to department of commerce grant reporting requirements; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 10‑30.5‑02, sections 54‑60‑09, 54‑60‑19, 54‑60‑28, 54‑60‑29, 54‑60‑29.1, and 54‑60‑31 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the purpose of the North Dakota development fund, duties and talent strategy of the division of workforce development, the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund, the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program, and changing the name of the office of legal immigration to the global talent office; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide for a transfer; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Relating to a limited exemption for development incentive wells; to amend and reenact sections 57‑51‑02.6, 57‑51‑05, and 57‑51.1‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the temporary exemption for oil and gas wells employing a system to avoid flaring, an exemption from gross production tax for gas produced from certain enhanced oil recovery projects, and the definition of development incentive well; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
SB 2009 provides state funding to cover the operating expenses of the North Dakota State Fair Association. It removes an existing law (section 4.1-45-22.1 of the North Dakota Century Code) that previously governed how the state fair's facility maintenance and operations costs were paid. The bill replaces this with a direct appropriation, meaning the state will now directly fund these costs through a new budget allocation. The bill also declares an emergency, requiring immediate implementation to prevent operational disruptions to the state fair.
Relating to compensation and mileage and travel expenses for witnesses, the salary of the attorney general, twenty‑four seven sobriety program fees, and the tobacco settlement trust fund; to provide for a report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an exemption.
Relating to a legacy earnings fund, a legacy property tax relief fund, a primary residence certification, and a limitation on property tax levies without voter approval; to amend and reenact section 6‑09.4‑10.1, subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06, sections 40‑40‑06, 54‑27‑19.3, and 57‑02‑01, subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 57‑02‑08.1, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 57‑02‑08.1, section 57‑02‑08.8, section 57‑02‑08.9 as amended by section 1 of Senate Bill No. 2201, as approved by the sixty-ninth legislative assembly, sections 57‑02‑08.10, 57‑02‑27, 57‑02‑27.1, 57‑02‑53, 57‑09‑04, 57‑11‑03, 57‑12‑06, 57‑15‑02.2, 57‑15‑14.2, and 57‑20‑07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to funds invested by the state investment board, property tax definitions, the homestead tax credit and renters refund, the property tax credit for disabled veterans, the primary residence credit, property classifications, assessment and budget hearing notices to property owners, school district levies, and the property tax statement; to repeal sections 21‑10‑12 and 21‑10‑13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for the misuse of education savings account funds and the establishment of the education savings account program; to amend and reenact section 15.1‑20‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to exceptions to compulsory school attendance; to provide a penalty; to provide an appropriation; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
HB 1428 creates a sales tax exemption in North Dakota for sales of clothing. This exemption specifically applies to clothing sold by thrift stores operated by nonprofit corporations. The bill enacts a new subsection to section 57-39.2-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to implement this change, and it also includes an effective date for the new provision.
Relating to the creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.
HB 1534 would limit annual increases in property tax valuations to 3% without voter approval, applying to all taxable properties in North Dakota regardless of ownership changes. Property owners would see their taxes capped at this 3% annual increase unless new improvements (like renovations) are made, which could temporarily exceed the limit. To raise valuations above 3%, local voters would need to approve a ballot measure at a general election, with such approvals limited to four-year periods. The bill explicitly prevents cities or counties from overriding this cap through local home rule authority. It would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
